Panthers Face Franchise-Changing Decision on Young Quarterback’s Future

Bryce Young is nearing a critical milestone in his young NFL career. As the 2026 offseason approaches, the Carolina Panthers will have to make a defining choice: whether to pick up the fifth-year option on the rookie deal of their 2023 No. 1 overall pick. For most first-round quarterbacks, this is standard business. But with Young, the story is far more complex — because the numbers tell a different tale.

Quarterback contracts have exploded in value across the league. Sixteen QBs now average at least $40 million annually, and eleven earn north of $50 million. That’s the financial neighborhood Young hopes to move into — eventually. But through the first eight weeks of the 2025 season, his trajectory remains uncertain.

According to Pro Football Reference data (minimum 110 pass attempts), Young ranks near the bottom in several key advanced passing categories — the metrics NFL front offices rely on when projecting long-term success.
For instance, Sam Darnold leads the league in yards per attempt (9.1), while Young sits at 5.8 — 31st overall. In intended air yards per attempt, a measure of aggressiveness on downfield throws, Young is tied for 28th at 6.5. Even in yards gained per completion, the story is the same — limited explosiveness and low offensive efficiency.

His pass success rate tells a similar story. While Daniel Jones tops the league at 56.3%, Young struggles to keep his offense on schedule consistently.

Context matters, of course. Injuries have sidelined players like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson this season. But even among other young quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, Young’s production stands out — and not in a good way.

Another revealing stat: when Young throws fewer than 30 passes in a game, the Panthers are 7–5. When he throws 30 or more, they’re 3–20. That’s a trend no front office can ignore — suggesting that when Carolina leans too heavily on its young QB, the results falter.

Now, GM Dan Morgan faces a franchise-shaping decision: exercise Young’s fifth-year option and commit long-term, or move toward a new direction. Either path carries risk — but the clock is ticking on Young’s chance to prove he can lead the franchise forward.