Few players around the NFL will be under more pressure in 2026 than Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
The former No. 1 overall pick has had his fifth-year option picked up. But if he’s going to earn a contract worthy of a true franchise quarterback, then it’s officially time to put up or shut up.
To their credit, the Panthers went out of their way to build up the supporting cast around Young this offseason. In the draft, they added a new franchise left tackle in Monroe Freeling and a potential long-term starter at center with Sam Hecht. They also signed several veterans for depth at every spot up front.
Carolina also added another dynamic, big-bodied wide receiver in the draft with Chris Brazzell II and a solid burner in former Alabama teammate John Metchie III in free agency. Now, it’s on Young to step up and start delivering on a consistent basis.
According to Nick Shook at NFL.com, Young is one of 11 players around the league entering a make-or-break year. Shook writes:
2026 is pivotal for Young because it will inform the Panthers on how to handle their former top pick going forward. He’s still on his rookie deal and had his fifth-year option picked up for 2027, buying Carolina time to decide whether he’s the long-term answer at quarterback. If he thrives in his third season spent with coach Dave Canales this fall, he’ll likely head to the negotiating table to meet with a Panthers regime eager to sign him to a multi-year extension…
A couple factors could be working against Young this year. On top of having some questions in their backfield between a down year from Chuba Hubbard and the health of 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, the Panthers did not make a notable investment at their unproductive tight end position this offseason.
Young isn’t the kind of player who can carry a team on his ow—the way franchise great Cam Newton had in the past. He needs to have a strong supporting cast all around, and that includes running back and tight end.
More than anything else, Young needs more consistent and aggressive play-calling from head coach Dave Canales’ coaching. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik is taking over as the play-caller this year, so hopefully he can deliver better results than Canales had.
If Young gets better game plans and a bounceback from the run game, he won’t have any excuses for not living up to the potential we have all seen he has.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers offseason: QB Bryce Young facing make-or-break campaign?