The Carolina Panthers were starting to look like they had their long-term franchise quarterback in Bryce Young, and a massive contract extension seemed increasingly inevitable.
But after two disappointing performances against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, that conversation has gotten a lot more complicated.
Young, who played some of the best football of his career earlier this season, has thrown three interceptions and taken 11 sacks over his last two games. Carolina lost both matchups, dropping to 3-4 and raising some familiar concerns about the No. 1 overall pick in 2023.
Bryce Young might have to prove even more for Carolina Panthers' extension
And with reports suggesting Young could eventually command more than $50 million annually, the Panthers now face a pretty expensive decision.
Just a few weeks ago, Young was making a pretty convincing case for a massive payday. He was even in the early conversation for NFL MVP after an exceptional opening to the campaign.
But against Tampa Bay, Young completed just 14 of 27 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in an ugly loss. He also took five sacks.
Things didn't improve much against Green Bay, either. Young finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown and another interception while taking six more sacks in a prime-time defeat on Thursday Night Football.
That's 372 passing yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and 11 sacks across two games.
Sure, two games shouldn't erase everything Young accomplished earlier this season. But when you're talking about potentially paying a quarterback more than $50 million per year, consistency matters.
Carolina Panthers offensive line is jeopardizing Bryce Young's progression
And that's exactly what the Panthers have been waiting to see.
The good news for Carolina is that there's no reason to rush anything.
The Panthers triggered Young's fifth-year option earlier this offseason, keeping him under contract through 2027.
General manager Dan Morgan previously acknowledged that the organization had discussed a long-term deal. After the past two weeks, that time doesn't seem any closer.
Of course, Young deserves some benefit of the doubt here.
Carolina's offensive line has struggled with injuries, and those tasked with starting duties haven't come close to providing the protection needed. Allowing 11 sacks in two games is hardly a recipe for successful quarterback play.
Young also deserves credit for how far he's come. He helped Carolina win the NFC South in 2025, throwing for a career-high 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns after the Panthers benched him early in the 2024 season.
But the Panthers have also seen how quickly things can unravel when the protection breaks down, and Young starts forcing throws. For a quarterback looking to join the NFL's $50 million club, that's a pretty big concern.
Young still has plenty of time to make his case over the second half of the season. For now, though, Carolina has every reason to keep its checkbook closed.
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