Charlotte NC, January 14, 2026
The Carolina Panthers have announced that they will exercise the fifth-year option on QB Bryce Young’s contract, ensuring he remains with the team until at least 2027. This decision highlights the team’s belief in Young’s potential following his impactful performance, leading to a guaranteed salary of approximately $26.5 million for the 2027 season. General Manager Dan Morgan expressed confidence in Young’s development and noted his significant progress over the past seasons, culminating in a standout 2025 performance that included leading the Panthers to their first NFC South title in ten years.
Charlotte
Panthers Secure Quarterback Bryce Young Through 2027 Season
The Carolina Panthers have officially announced their intention to exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young’s contract, solidifying his presence with the team through the 2027 National Football League season. The decision was confirmed by Panthers general manager Dan Morgan on Tuesday.
This move is projected to guarantee Young a salary of approximately $26.5 million for the 2027 season, which will be fully guaranteed upon being exercised. The window for making such a decision for players drafted in 2023, like Young, opened on January 5, 2026, with a final deadline of May 1, 2026. The early announcement signals the organization’s continued commitment to their young signal-caller, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized that Young’s performance earned this commitment. Morgan noted that Young displayed “flashes of greatness” throughout the recent 2025 season against high-level competition and demonstrated increased command and continuous improvement. While acknowledging the team’s overall inconsistency, Morgan expressed excitement about Young’s development moving forward.
Young’s Progression and Key Milestones
Bryce Young has completed three seasons in the NFL, showing notable growth since his rookie year. In his debut 2023 season, he recorded 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 16 starts, as the Panthers finished with a 2-15 record. His second year in 2024 saw some improvement, with 2,403 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 12 starts, contributing to a 5-12 team record.
The 2025 season marked Young’s most productive to date. He achieved career highs with eight wins, a 63.6% completion percentage, 3,011 passing yards, and 23 passing touchdowns, along with an 87.8 passer rating in 16 starts. Young’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the Panthers to their first NFC South title in a decade, highlighted by six game-winning drives. He also made his playoff debut, completing 21 of 40 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and added a rushing touchdown in a wild-card round loss. Across his three seasons, Young has amassed 8,291 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, maintaining a 61.4% completion percentage. He currently leads the NFL with 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since 2023.
Understanding the Fifth-Year Option
The fifth-year option is a provision within the National Football League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows teams to extend the rookie contract of their first-round draft picks for an additional season beyond the initial four years. This option provides teams with valuable control over highly-touted players, particularly quarterbacks, allowing for further evaluation and development before committing to a long-term, high-value contract. The salary for the fifth-year option is determined by a tiered system based on the player’s performance, including Pro Bowl selections and playtime. For Young, having met the playtime requirements, his option falls into the second tier. Historically, it is a common practice for teams to exercise the fifth-year option for No. 1 overall quarterbacks.
Future Contract Outlook
While the Panthers have secured Young for an additional season, General Manager Dan Morgan has remained non-committal regarding potential negotiations for a long-term contract extension at this time, stating that such discussions are “still up in the air.” This indicates that while the team believes in Young’s potential, they will likely monitor his continued progress through the 2026 season before engaging in talks for a more expansive, multi-year deal. Young may need to demonstrate further significant strides in his performance in 2026 to secure a long-term extension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest news regarding Bryce Young’s contract?
- The Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan announced on Tuesday that the team will pick up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
- When was this decision announced?
- The decision was announced by Panthers general manager Dan Morgan on Tuesday.
- How much is Bryce Young expected to earn from this option?
- The fifth-year option is projected to pay Bryce Young approximately $26.5 million for the 2027 season, and this amount will be fully guaranteed.
- What does picking up the fifth-year option mean for Bryce Young’s contract length?
- Exercising the fifth-year option ensures Bryce Young remains under contract with the Carolina Panthers through the 2027 season.
- What were Bryce Young’s performance highlights in the 2025 season?
- In the 2025 season, Bryce Young achieved career highs in wins (8), completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011), and passing touchdowns (23). He also led the Panthers to their first NFC South title in a decade with six game-winning drives.
Key Features of Bryce Young’s Fifth-Year Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | Announced Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
| Contract Extension | Extends Bryce Young’s contract through the 2027 season |
| 2027 Salary Projection | Approximately $26.5 million |
| Salary Guarantee | Fully guaranteed |
| Reasoning by GM Dan Morgan | Young showed “flashes of greatness” and consistent improvement in 2025 |
| Eligibility | First-round draft pick (No. 1 overall in 2023) |
| Future Long-Term Extension | No immediate timeline; “up in the air” |
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