Panthers pick up Bryce Young’s option, eye long‑term deal

The Carolina Panthers exercised quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth‑year option on Thursday, extending his rookie contract through the 2027 season and guaranteeing him a $25.9 million salary for that year. The move secures Young’s services for two more seasons while the organization evaluates a longer‑term agreement.

Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan told SiriusXM’s Adam Schein that discussions about a multi‑year extension are ongoing but that the team is not rushing to finalize a deal. “I’m actually signing his fifth‑year option today … a long‑term contract is something we’re talking about internally, and we’ll do it at the right time,” Morgan said.

Morgan highlighted Young’s development despite a challenging start to his career. The rookie entered the league amid a coaching turnover and a roster that offered limited talent around him. “He came into a rough situation… a coaching change, a lot of shuffling,” Morgan explained. “Coach Canales has provided stability, and now, going into his third season in the system, we see him improve each year.”

According to Morgan, Young’s grasp of the offense, his processing ability, and his leadership qualities have steadily increased. He described the quarterback as “a pleasure to have around the building every day” and noted that the entire offensive operation appears to be accelerating under Young’s guidance.

The fifth‑year option gives the Panthers additional time to assess Young’s performance before committing to a franchise‑quarterback contract. With two seasons remaining on his current deal, the organization can monitor his progression without the pressure of an immediate, high‑value extension.

The decision to lock in Young for 2027 reflects the Panthers’ confidence in his trajectory while preserving flexibility. As the quarterback continues to mature, his future contract terms will likely hinge on his ability to sustain and build upon the upward trend noted by the front office. The next steps involve continued evaluation during the upcoming season, after which the Panthers will determine the timing and financial structure of any long‑term agreement.