Following the Carolina Panthers‘ 34–31 wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the questions about QB Bryce Young’s fifth season with the team grew louder. Many expected the team to deliver its verdict on what holds next for him. While there is still no clarity over Young’s future in Carolina, the 24-year-old signal-caller confirmed his stance on the contract situation.

“Not my call to make,” Young told reporters on Saturday during the post-game presser.

The former No. 1 overall pick didn’t lobby for himself when asked about his future with the team. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects the Panthers will probably pick up Young’s fifth-year option this offseason. The 24-year-old arrived in the league after winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy. Currently, he’s serving the third year of his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth nearly $38 million with Carolina.

In 2026, the player will earn a base salary of $1.15 million and carry a dead cap value of $12.08 million, per Spotrac. On the field, Young has witnessed the best season of his career so far. He piled up 3,011 passing yards and 23 touchdowns with a pass completion rate of 63.6 percent. He also contributed to the ground game, rushing for 216 rushing yards and punching in two touchdowns. As for the Panthers, the team struggled to remain consistent since mid-October.

They couldn’t win two straight games since Week 9 after losing 40-9 to the Buffalo Bills. While the Alabama graduate delivered game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime four times this season, he remains a work in progress. For now, Young has done enough for the Panthers to consider him their long-term starting quarterback. And guess what?

Some reports suggest that head coach Dave Canales has already made a clear contract plan even before their matchup with the Rams. And it has more to do than just Young’s performance in the last three seasons. 

Panthers may opt for a $27 million approach for Bryce Young

The Panthers crafted their approach to Bryce Young’s future well before heading to the postseason clash. According to an NFL insider, the team was expected to retain the player and make its announcement public. The logic behind picking the 24-year-old quarterback again is mostly financial, per ESPN’s David Newton. Mind you, Young’s fifth-year option projection sits around $27 million for the 2027 season.

For the Panthers, choosing this option will be safe, as a fifth year on a rookie deal is cheaper than committing to a long-term extension. And that’s why the NFL has a trend of teams opting for this approach for quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall. Young’s current $38 million contract includes the upcoming 2026 season, and his fifth-year option will kick in after that. Meanwhile, this option gives Carolina a safety net in case Young doesn’t play up to its expectations.

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Yes, the team has the flexibility to part ways with the 2021 Maxwell Award winner without being part of any massive deal. While the Panthers’ run-heavy approach limited the quarterback’s opportunities, Canales still has his back. He made it clear in his message before the game against the Rams. 

“Bryce is really consistent in terms of his prep, our normal conversations throughout the week,” he said. “He goes out there to practice and he just continues to lead the group and make sure we get to the right play. His demeanor stays pretty even, which is why he’s performed really well in critical situations, end-of-game situations, fourth down and those types of things.”

For now, the Panthers seem content to give Bryce Young more time and flexibility to prove he’s their long-term answer.