Overview
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the team has a “sense” it will exercise the 2027 option and will most likely wait on a long-term extension.
- Over the Cap projects the fifth-year figure at a fully guaranteed $26.5 million for 2027.
- The timing reflects an evaluation window that included two strong outings in Weeks 15–16 followed by a sharp dip in Week 17 with 54 passing yards on 24 attempts against Seattle.
- Across 15 starts this season, Young has only three games with at least 200 passing yards, raising questions about immediate extension value.
- Carolina can clinch the NFC South with a Week 18 win over the Buccaneers, or if it loses, with a Falcons victory over the Saints.