Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Carolina plans to run the 2026 season as an evaluation year for Bryce Young after picking up his fifth‑year option.
- ESPN’s Dan Graziano says the most likely path is a repeat-or-slight-improvement season that still misses the playoffs and leads to a sizable but not elite extension next spring.
- Young showed clear progress in 2025, completing 16 games with roughly 3,011 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions after being benched in 2024.
- Early preseason snaps from offseason additions Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd plus emerging receiver Tetairoa McMillan have impressed coaches and could alter the team’s evaluation.
- A mid‑tier extension in the Daniel Jones range would give Carolina salary‑cap flexibility to keep improving the roster while avoiding the long‑term risk of a top‑market deal.