The Carolina Panthers have already exercised quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth year option, ensuring they have at least one more season to continue evaluating his development before making any major long term decisions. Given the uneven and often turbulent beginning to his NFL career, that patience represents a logical and measured approach.
Still, one experienced front office voice has urged caution when it comes to committing significant money to Young too soon.
There is no denying that Young has shown tangible progress this season. The former Alabama quarterback has looked more composed, played with greater confidence, and handled pressure situations far better than earlier in his career. Inside the organization and among much of the fan base, belief in his potential is clearly growing. Even so, he has not yet reached the level of consistent performance typically required to justify the massive contracts quarterbacks receive on their second deals.
Carolina Panthers urged to tread carefully with Bryce Young extension plans
Joe Person of The Athletic spoke with a veteran NFL personnel executive from another organization who addressed Young’s contract outlook on the condition of anonymity. That executive pointed to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as a cautionary example, explaining how his effectiveness declined once Miami’s salary cap flexibility was reduced after paying him.
According to the executive, timing and surrounding talent matter just as much as the quarterback himself.
“Tua Tagovailoa had his most success when they were paying him on his rookie deal because you can put more pieces around him. But once they made that move to pay him 50-something million dollars, now you start to lose other pieces. And now he’s got to perform even higher because he’s playing with less talent. And he needs all those pieces to win with because you don’t win because of him.”
NFL personnel executive via The Athletic
The argument is understandable, though the comparison is not perfect. Tagovailoa benefited from elite offensive weapons such as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane, a level of support Young has not come close to enjoying. At the same time, the Panthers are clearly focused on building through the draft while supplementing the roster with calculated veteran additions.
Quarterback contracts consume a massive portion of the salary cap. Even if Young were to land a deal worth $50 million annually, it would not rank among the ten highest in the league. Still, that level of commitment would force difficult choices elsewhere on the roster, and even his fifth year option will require sacrifices.
While the league’s salary cap continues to rise, so do the financial demands of established players. That reality only increases the importance of finding affordable long term contributors through the draft to sustain progress.
Young appears to be one strong season away from securing a lucrative extension. Waiting could make that deal more expensive, but committing early after three seasons carries real risk, particularly with general manager Dan Morgan still working to elevate the overall talent level.
The situation requires balance and patience, but the Panthers at least gave themselves flexibility by picking up Young’s option. That extra time could prove invaluable as they decide whether he is truly the quarterback to build around long term.