Quarterback is the most critical position in football. Unsurprisingly, they also get paid the most.
If the Carolina Panthers eventually decide to give Bryce Young a lucrative contract extension, that could come in at around $40-50 million a year. If he performs to a Pro Bowl standard, it may be even more than that.
That changes everything from the perspective of general manager Dan Morgan. Young has been relatively cheap throughout his rookie deal so far, but that could be about to change.
And Morgan's selections during the 2026 NFL Draft dropped a telling hint about his future plans.
Carolina Panthers need to alter roster construction before and after Bryce Young's extension
The Panthers wasted the first two years of his rookie deal, but there were signs of life in 2025. Carolina picked up his fifth-year option, but there is a promise of even more if the trajectory continues to point up. That would alter the way Morgan has to construct his roster, and a quarterback on his second deal demands that sacrifices be made elsewhere.
Morgan decided the cheapest way to do this was in the trenches. The Panthers have invested heavily in the offensive line in established veterans. Damien Lewis, Ikem Ekwonu, Robert Hunt, and Taylor Moton are all on very good money. That helped in the short term, but it won't be sustainable if Young also gets paid.
Monroe Freeling and Sam Hecht are two 2026 draft picks with starting-caliber potential. If they can fill the spots, they will be much cheaper than the established pros.
Lee Hunter was brought onto the defensive front as a second-round pick. A'Shawn Robinson was released, and Bobby Brown III could follow suit this time next year. Tershawn Wharton is another entering a make-or-break year, and if Young pens a long-term deal, trimming the fat is imperative.
The salary cap increases every year. Carolina has $32.21 million in projected space in 2027 with just 29 players under contract right now. Seven players have cap hits of more than $20 million. Two — defensive lineman Derrick Brown and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips — have cap hits of more than $30 million. There is a lot of hard work ahead for Morgan, and Young's extension is only going to complicate matters.
It's an interesting situation. Morgan will have a plan, and Brandt Tilis is a strong asset to call on for salary-cap management. Young has to earn his deal, but the ripple effects are there for all to see.
What comes next is undetermined. The Panthers could get it done this summer, which could save them more in the long run. They could wait until after the campaign if everything goes well, but that will cost more. But Morgan will do what he believes is right for the franchise.
That's the only sure thing in this equation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google