The latest Bryce Young contract rumors could bite the Carolina Panthers during the 2027 offseason if he exceeds expectations. While the team picked up the QB’s fifth-year option instead of signing him to a new deal, could that affect any future talks if he has another outstanding season? Most likely. It means Young won’t be looking for a bargain contract, and after the latest moves the Panthers made on offense, he could explode this upcoming season.
Despite “loving” the QB, the Panthers are reportedly playing the waiting game before they’re sold on him. This means that while they love to keep him as their long-term QB, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be the permanent starter forever. It wasn’t too long ago when head coach Dave Canales benched the young starter during the 2024 season. Deja Vu could be waiting to happen this upcoming year, and it won’t be a pleasant one to watch if you’re a Panthers fan.
The team traded veteran Andy Dalton to Philadelphia this offseason while signing Kenny Pickett to back up their starter. There’s some speculation there already, but nobody should anticipate Pickett starting for this Carolina offense anytime soon unless they need it.
Bryce Young Contract: Panthers Invite Massive $26M Trap
It could get interesting pretty quickly this upcoming season. Young has the leverage in this situation, but could he replicate his same level of play, similar to the 2025 campaign? According to Spotrac, he’s projected at $37.2 million per year for his next deal. The QB could ask for more depending on how he plays. Could they reach the NFC Championship during the 2027 playoffs? It’s very possible.
The Panthers arguably aren’t the same team they were last season. On defense, the team signed two high-stakes linebackers, Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, to strengthen its pass-rushing unit. This should excite Young, who could receive an easy field advantage if any of these new defensive men turn the ball over.
Meanwhile, on offense, the team drafted WR Chris Brazzell to compete for a starting role with Xavier Legette, who’s been named as the top trade candidate. Despite losing Rico Dowdle to Pittsburgh, RB Jonathan Brooks is finally making his debut in the league after suffering a season-ending injury last offseason. They still have Chuba Hubbard, who hasn’t shown any signs of inconsistency other than being hurt for a few games.
Are the Panthers Actually Playing Smart?
You can argue, yes and no. Let’s say that it works in favor of the Panthers, and Young doesn’t hold up his end of the stick. It’s still a lose-lose situation either way, and if the QB doesn’t lead this offense to a postseason appearance, the team is back to the drawing board. On the other hand, the QB winds up proving that he’s a top 5 pocket-passer, which wouldn’t be the best news in terms of salary cap.
What the Panthers could’ve done is extend the QB to a new low-stakes two-year deal, because at least it would’ve bought the team money, for now. They could’ve used that same contract that they should’ve offered this offseason, and added an incentive similar to what the Broncos did with standout CB Pat Surtain.
Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen is leading the QB contract market, but nobody should expect the Panthers to dish out that kind of money. However, the future deal of Ravens Lamar Jackson could complicate what Young is looking for. The Panthers have a solid offense with a promising, speedy receiver in Brazzell, a breakout Tetairoa McMillan and a solid Jalen Coker. Carolina may have made the wrong decision, but that will ultimately come with how the 2026 season plays out as a lose-lose scenario.
