Overview
- Brandt Tilis told reporters Monday that Young "ascended" last season but that his long-term ceiling is still "unknown," and the organization will keep any extension talks private while watching the coming year.
- Carolina exercised Young's fifth-year option in April, locking in team control and a projected $25.9 million salary for 2027 while avoiding a larger multi-year commitment before the season.
- Young delivered career-best numbers in 2025 with 3,011 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and helped the Panthers win the NFC South after overcoming a midseason benching in 2024.
- Coach Dave Canales confirmed Young is the Week 1 starter but said he will not play in the Hall of Fame preseason game as the staff manages starter reps and protects his workload.
- The front office has spent significant money this offseason on defensive and offensive-line upgrades, a move that shifts short-term cap focus away from an immediate quarterback extension and means Young's next contract likely depends on his 2026 performance.