Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young as he heads into the last four weeks of his rookie season. These three games may have huge ramifications on his long-term future with the team. The Panthers seem on the verge of activating Young’s fifth-year option. This controversial decision would ensure him a minimum salary of $26.5M for 2027. Without question, his performance in this absolutely critical stretch will largely determine his long-term worth as the franchise cornerstone QB.
Young’s season has been one of the more rollercoaster rides. Indeed, we hope this will be the case, as presently he has a record of 7-5 on the season and 13-27 over his career. His quarterbacks’ quarterback rating (QBR) is 45.9, 24th in the league. This exceptional display of brilliance raises a deeper question of whether he can raise the collective level of the team’s play. Most importantly, can he help them end a playoff drought that has lasted since 2005?
In his most recent start against the San Francisco 49ers, Young crumpled like aluminum foil when pressured. He threw two interceptions and had only one touchdown, with this performance culminating in his season worst QBR of 13.8. Earlier in the season, he wowed fans with a then-franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Rams. Since then, inconsistency has become an all-too-frequent visitor to his performance.
Young’s struggles have been noticeable, leading many to ponder whether he can solidify his position as the team’s starting quarterback. The Panthers have the next two years to see if he’s worthy of an extension.
“We missed some opportunities in the pass game, and the Saints did a great job of challenging us and our run game,” said offensive coordinator Dave Canales, emphasizing the challenges the team has faced.
Young has acknowledged his need for improvement. “I need to do a better job of executing. I need to take care of the ball. I needed to do a better job of making plays go today. I didn’t do good enough,” he stated after a recent disappointing outing.
The inconsistencies in Young’s performances have contributed to skepticism regarding his long-term viability as the team’s franchise quarterback. He has shown obvious and tangible progression since his first two seasons. That’s true, he’s yet to quite figure out a way to put together top-flight play on a nightly basis. His current two-year QBR of 42.4 makes it hard to have confidence that he can be the long-term answer and get this team winning again.
Young was defended as he had the hardest challenges from the Niners. He compounded his problems by committing a fumble during an exchange with wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., further stacking the odds against the young quarterback. These mistakes have not just impacted his box score numbers, but disrupted the entire flow of the team’s offense.
Looking ahead, it seems highly likely that the Panthers will add Young’s fifth-year option come next offseason. This decision will afford him more time to hone and hopefully dazzle with his unique talents on a much larger stage. With just four games left this season, Young needs to start turning in game-changing performances to make his case a reality.
The next few years are going to be extremely important for Young. He will courageously attack every challenge that comes with being a rookie starting quarterback in the NFL. Beyond that, the Panthers are looking for him to start to display maturity and leadership. They’re still in rebuilding mode, hoping to work their way up to playoff contention.
There’s no dream plays or hoorah speeches, Young said in response, showing that he’s already developing an appreciation for the need to focus on the basics and just make plays.
Throughout the rest of the season, all eyes will be on Bryce Young. They want to know how he’s going to rise to the pressure of these legacy-defining moments. So too do he and the Panthers understand that no snap can be wasted. These performances will determine their ability to secure an extension.
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