The Carolina Panthers made it clear they believe Bryce Young can be a winning franchise quarterback in the NFL when they took him first overall three years ago. But according to head coach Dave Canales, there may be no guarantees past this season. Smith's SiriusXM radio show on Tuesday, Canales spoke about how impressed he's been with Young's mindset and development.
"Whether we're up or down, I love having Bryce out there," Canales said. "I love that he stays cool, calm and collected and aggressive, and he attacks at the right time. So, all those things are pointing in the right direction ...
For me, especially now not calling plays, I get to just enjoy this road, help him improve on a daily basis and really take that input and get him to take the next step." But when Smith bluntly asked whether Young is the team's franchise quarterback, Canales said, "He is right now," before adding, "He's our guy, and I love the trajectory that he's on." His tone was generally positive throughout the conversation, and his comments don't mean that Young won't be a Panther past 2026, but it's certainly interesting language for Canales to use. More news: Colts Make Anthony Richardson Decision Ahead of Preseason Finale vs Lions More news: Bears Involved in Trade Talks to Deal Key Defensive Starter After struggling in his first two years in the league, Young finally looked the part last season. He completed 63.6% of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, along with 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Those numbers don't exactly scream All-Pro, which he was drafted to be, but they're far better than what he showed in his first two seasons in Carolina. More importantly, Young took the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Now, though, he enters a crucial 2026 season with a contract on the line.
The Panthers have already exercised his fifth-year option, which keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. With just one solid season under his belt, it's hard for him to push for a big deal. But if he improves again this year, he could legitimately reset the market, putting pressure on the team to keep him in Carolina.
A step in the opposite direction, though, and things could get ugly. More news: Browns’ Next QB Battle Set for Preseason Finale vs Patriots
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