Can the Panthers 24-Year-Old Quarterback Silence the Doubters in 2026?
Quarterback Bryce Young was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2023 with the first overall pick. The buzz around the rookie quarterback was loud, with many believing he could become one of the best in the league. In college, Young won the Heisman Trophy in a season in which he threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 47 touchdowns. The former Crimson Tide star caught the attention of the entire NFL world, making him the undisputed number one overall pick. While the Panthers were able to capitalize and gain Young, his career thus far has been a series of ups and downs that begs the question whether or not he may be considered a bust.
In his rookie year, the 24-year-old former Alabama standout threw for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The season was a massive disappointment for fans, but the organization still held out hope that he could turn things around. While his sophomore season was nearly identical, 2025 turned out to be the quarterback's best. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The performance was enough to earn the Panthers a playoff spot, where they were eliminated in the Wild Card round following a narrow 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carolina’s fanbase was more than pleased with the near playoff win, where the Carolina starter threw for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The game was able to bring a lot of belief back into the young quarterback that his future can be bright in Carolina. Looking ahead to 2026, will the poised passer be able to silence the doubters?
This season will make-or-break the career of the Panthers quarterback, with a lot on the line as he enters his fourth season on the team. Carolina decided to exercise Young’s fifth-year option, keeping him under contract until 2027. Following this season, if Carolina's dual-threat quarterback is unable to perform at the level a fourth-year quarterback should, the Panthers may elect to look elsewhere in the 2027 NFL Draft. Fortunately for him, Carolina made moves this offseason to help support Young. Left tackle Monroe Freeling was added in the draft to help upgrade the offensive line and protection. Center Sam Hecht was also added, giving the Panthers' former first-round selection even more of a solid support system to keep him from getting sacked. His receiving room stays largely the same, allowing him to continue to grow his current connections. 2026 will be Young’s opportunity to solidify himself as the true number one quarterback in Carolina, while also silencing the doubt that’s come his way.
