No strategy in the NFL is foolproof, but drafting a Heisman-winning quarterback from one of the century’s most dominant college programs is usually considered a safe bet. The Carolina Panthers, however, are finding out otherwise.
Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, is slowly but relentlessly playing himself out of a starting job. Following a Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Panthers sit at 6-6. While they are mathematically in the playoff hunt, the on-field product isn’t fooling anyone.
The loss to San Francisco served as a perfect microcosm of Young’s limitations. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled, throwing interceptions on three consecutive possessions—two in San Francisco territory and one in the red zone. Yet, Young was only able to convert those turnovers into three total points. He finished the night with just 169 yards on 18-of-29 passing, throwing two interceptions and only one touchdown.
This dynamic—one isolated highlight in a sea of struggles—has characterized Young’s 2025 campaign. With the exception of a Week 12 explosion against the Atlanta Falcons, where he threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns, his season has been underwhelming. He has surpassed 200 passing yards just twice all year. In four different games, he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. Consequently, he ranks near the bottom of all season-long starters in completion percentage, yardage, passer rating, and QBR.
The issue is that this performance is not an outlier; it is becoming the norm. Over 41 career games, Young holds a 12-27 record as a starter and has struggled consistently against almost every team that isn’t Atlanta.
Young’s regression is even more glaring now that the roster around him has improved. Carolina added significant weapons, including rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and running back Rico Dowdle. Furthermore, the defense now ranks in the middle of the pack in points and yardage allowed—a massive leap from ranking dead last in 2024. As the rest of the roster builds toward competency, the quarterback remains stuck in the same middling tier he occupied two years ago.
Following the loss, Young stuck to familiar themes during his media availability, citing a lack of execution and the need to move on quickly.
“Next week we’re going to be 0-0,” Young said. “We don’t have the luxury to think about the big picture thing with us. That’s not a good recipe for this league.”
Young may not be focusing on the big picture, but the franchise has no choice. The key date for Young’s future in Carolina is May 1, 2026. By then, the Panthers must decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. That deadline arrives after the 2026 NFL Draft, giving the front office a clear window to select a replacement if they choose.
With six wins and tough matchups remaining against the Rams, Seahawks, and Buccaneers, the Panthers are projected to land in the upper middle of the first round. While that may be too low for a top-tier quarterback prospect, it keeps them within striking distance.
Young has five games left to make his case for an extension. The Panthers paid a heavy price to acquire him—trading wide receiver D.J. Moore and a haul of picks to the Chicago Bears—but sticking with him out of stubbornness could prove even more costly in the long run.
