Expectations are high for the Carolina Panthers, especially given the franchise enters a crucial season as reigning NFC South champions for the first time in a decade.
While head coach Dave Canales faces as much pressure as any coach heading into this critical third year leading the franchise, no individual faces more pressure than fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young.
The Panthers and the rest of the NFL will be watching closely to see if the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023 can not only lead the team to another playoff appearance but also a career season that puts a new contract in play.
Bryce Young has a massive season ahead with the Carolina Panthers
Contract talks have been part of the airwaves in recent weeks, with Young and 2023 draft classmate C.J. Stroud both eligible for expensive extensions. The former has yet to show he is worthy of a new contract in Carolina, and the team has approached the situation that way all offseason.
General manager Dan Morgan picked up Young's fifth-year option, which was a no-brainer. But the Panthers also made something abundantly clear.
They are in wait-and-see mode regarding a longer-term commitment for Young.
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
Young has improved each season of his career after a horrific rookie year that culminated in a two-month benching in 2024. He displayed tremendous resolve, returning to the lineup and flashing brightly toward the end of a rebuilding campaign.
Bryce Young must improve consistency to secure new Carolina Panthers deal
The biggest issue with Young is consistency on a weekly and down-to-down basis. There were some moments when he looked like an elite passer — his 448-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons, for example. However, he can also look like one of the worst quarterbacks in the sport, as evidenced by his performance against the New Orleans Saints.
With consistency the biggest issue in Young's overall performance, offensive coordinator Brad Idzik hopes to resolve it. Based on reports from training camp, the signal-caller and his new play-caller have displayed a much more aggressive attack, especially downfield.
Young has the best crop of playmakers of his career, so far. Realistically, throwing for between 3,500 and 4,000 yards and a two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio is what many should expect this season.
Anything less, and Morgan will have a big decision to make regarding a contract extension.
Having pass-catchers such as Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and a (hopefully) improved Xavier Legette should help him get there. Idzik's potential implementations of play action, motion, and downfield aggression could open up productive games each week, even if turnover-worthy plays increase.
It is now or never for Young. It all starts next week against the Chicago Bears.
Add us as a preferred source on Google