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9h ago

Panthers Poised to Pick Up Bryce Young’s Fifth-Year Option as Postseason Opens

Veteran Andy Dalton stands as the lone active backup, with Mike White available only as a practice-squad emergency option.

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Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs on field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Carolina is expected to exercise Young’s fifth-year option, extending the team’s evaluation window without a long-term extension in place.
  • Young led the Panthers back to the playoffs after an up-and-down season, throwing for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns with two rushing scores.
  • Carolina carries only two quarterbacks on the active roster for the postseason, with Young starting and Dalton in reserve.
  • Dalton, in his third season with the Panthers, has six starts over the past two years and delivered a 319-yard, three-touchdown outing against the Raiders last season.
  • The Panthers face the Rams in the wild-card round, offering Young another showcase after his improved second-half form in 2025.