If you walked into a sports bar in Charlotte right now, you’d hear one name more than any other. It isn't a legendary veteran or a flashy new free agent. It’s Bryce Young. As we sit here in January 2026, the question of who is the QB for the Panthers has a very clear—yet deeply debated—answer.
Bryce Young is the guy. He’s the starter. He’s the former number-one overall pick who just survived a roller-coaster 2025 season that saw the Panthers claw their way back into the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
But being "the guy" in Carolina isn't exactly a comfortable seat.
The Bryce Young Era: Where things stand right now
It’s been a wild ride. Honestly, after his first two seasons, a lot of folks were ready to label Bryce a bust. The height concerns, the lack of protection, the constant coaching turnover—it felt like a recipe for disaster. But 2025 changed the narrative, or at least it gave it a much-needed plot twist.
Young just finished a campaign where he threw for a career-high 3,011 yards. He found the end zone 23 times through the air and only gave it away 11 times. For a team that used to be a turnover machine, that 2-to-1 ratio felt like a miracle.
The biggest news? Just yesterday, General Manager Dan Morgan confirmed the team is picking up Young’s fifth-year option. That locks him in through the 2027 season.
He’s 24 years old. He’s maturing. You can see it in how he carries himself in the pocket. In the Wild Card loss to the Rams—a heartbreaker, 34-31—Young actually put the Panthers ahead with a touchdown pass to Jalen Coker with less than three minutes left. They lost because Matthew Stafford did Matthew Stafford things, but Bryce didn't blink.
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The Depth Chart: Who is backing up the QB for the Panthers?
Behind every young starter is a veteran who’s seen it all. In Carolina, that’s Andy Dalton. "The Red Rifle" is still there, holding down the QB2 spot. He’s 38 now, so he isn't the long-term future, but his value in the film room is basically immeasurable for a kid like Bryce.
The Panthers also have some interesting projects in the room.
- Andy Dalton: The steady hand. He’s the insurance policy.
- Hendon Hooker: A name that’s been floating around the depth chart. He provides a different athletic profile if things get weird.
- Mike White: Depth. You need a guy who can run the scout team and not mess up the operation if he has to take three snaps at the end of a blowout.
The dynamic is interesting. Dalton is like the cool uncle who’s been through the wars, while Young is the protege finally starting to win some of those wars himself.
Why 2025 was the turning point
You can't talk about who is the QB for the Panthers without talking about the "clutch" factor that finally showed up. Bryce Young led 12 game-winning drives or fourth-quarter comebacks over the last few seasons, with six of those coming in 2025 alone. That tied him for second-most in the league.
That’s what changed the minds of the front office.
Before this season, the Panthers were 6-22 with Bryce starting. Last year? They went 8-8 in the regular season. They won the NFC South. It wasn't always pretty—the division was kind of a mess—but they hung a banner.
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People forget how much of a mess the roster was around him. Now, he’s got Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker growing with him. He’s got an offensive line that actually knows who to block most of the time. Dan Morgan mentioned in his season-ending presser that the "command" Young showed was the biggest jump. He isn't just reacting anymore; he’s directing.
The Contract Drama: $26.5 Million and the Future
So, the option is picked up. What does that actually mean?
Basically, the Panthers are betting $26.5 million (his projected 2027 salary) that Bryce's "flashes of greatness" become his standard operating procedure. It’s a gamble. Some fans on Reddit are still calling the team "suckers," while others think it’s a no-brainer.
If you look at the QB market in 2026, $26 million for a starter is actually a bargain. Middle-of-the-pack guys are asking for $45 million or $50 million. By picking up the option now, the Panthers bought themselves time. They don't have to rush into a massive, $200 million extension this summer. They can watch him for one more year.
If he takes another step forward? Pay the man. If he plateaus? They have a tradable asset or a bridge to the next guy.
The Skeptics’ View: Is he really "The One"?
Look, we have to be honest here. Bryce Young still isn't a top-10 quarterback. His yards per attempt (around 6.3) still lags behind the elite tier of the NFL. He’s not Patrick Mahomes, and he’s not Josh Allen.
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The critics point to the four losses in the final five games of the 2025 season. They say he still struggles with vision in a crowded pocket. There are still moments where his size seems to limit the windows he can hit.
But the Panthers are banking on the "it" factor. He wins games he’s supposed to lose. He doesn't rattle. In a league where half the teams are searching for even a competent starter, the Panthers feel they have someone who is at least "good" with the potential to be "great."
What to watch for in 2026
Next season is the "prove it" year for real. No more excuses about being a rookie or having a bad coach. Dave Canales has found a rhythm with him. The defense, led by Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown, is solid enough to keep them in games.
If you're wondering who is the QB for the Panthers for the long haul, watch how he starts the first four games of next September. If he comes out hot, that extension will be signed before Thanksgiving.
Actionable Next Steps for Panthers Fans
If you're following the team's trajectory, there are a few things to keep an eye on this offseason that will directly affect the quarterback position:
- Monitor the Backup Hunt: Dan Morgan hinted they might bring in a "younger passer" to develop behind Bryce. This would replace the veteran-only approach they’ve had with guys like Dalton and Mike White.
- The Draft Priority: Watch if the Panthers use their first-round pick on a blue-chip Wide Receiver or a Left Tackle. Bryce needs a true "X" receiver to take the next step into the 4,000-yard club.
- Free Agency: Keep an eye on the interior offensive line market. Bryce’s success is 100% tied to his ability to step up in the pocket without a 300-pound defensive tackle in his lap.
The Bryce Young era is officially in its second phase. The "hope" phase is over; we are now in the "results" phase. He’s the starter, he’s the leader, and for better or worse, the Carolina Panthers' future is resting on his shoulders.