The Carolina Panthers have officially locked in quarterback Bryce Young through the 2027 season. On Wednesday, the team announced they exercised the fifth-year option on his contract, ensuring he remains under team control for next year.

This decision was widely expected after the Panthers indicated earlier in the month that they planned to make the move following the NFL Draft. Young’s guaranteed salary for the 2027 season is set at $25.904 million.

From Rough Start to Steady Progress

Selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young endured a difficult rookie campaign and was benched early in the 2024 season. His fortunes changed when veteran Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident, prompting Young to reclaim the starting role. He delivered strong performances down the stretch, solidifying his position as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback for 2025.

While Young’s 2025 season had its share of challenges, the Panthers still managed to win the NFC South division title. The team’s playoff run ended in a narrow defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round in January.

What’s Next for Young and the Panthers?

The next major development for Young and the organization is a potential contract extension. Young is eligible to sign a long-term deal at any time, but the Panthers may choose to delay negotiations until they gather more performance data to inform their decision.