Now that the 2025 NFL season has concluded, the Carolina Panthers are reviewing their roster as they prepare for the 2026 offseason. The focus this week is on the quarterback position, which showed signs of stability and growth during the past year.
Bryce Young, who was drafted in 2023, led six game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime last season. This brings his career total to 12, making him the league leader since his draft year and placing him second among players under age 25—behind Justin Herbert with 13.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales commented on Young’s approach: “It’s something that gives Bryce the ability in the flow of the game. What I’ve noticed about Bryce is he doesn’t get hung up on things that happen; he moves on, and that’s a really special trait to have,” Canales said. “It’s really important for the big picture, especially when you’re standing in front of the group, that this drive is going to be a touchdown drive, this next play is going to be a big one.
“To have that kind of salesmanship, it’s really important for the quarterback to have that, and I see Bryce just step into the huddle with confidence every single play as if this is the best play that coach has ever called, you know, and, and it’s great to have that support, but it does give the guys a lot of confidence going into it.”
For 2026, both Bryce Young (under contract through 2027) and veteran backup Andy Dalton (under contract through 2026) will remain with the team. There are no unrestricted free agents at quarterback heading into free agency.
Young reached career highs in passing yards (3,011), touchdown passes (23), passer rating (87.8), and led Carolina to eight wins as a starter—his personal best. He also helped break a playoff drought by securing a home postseason game at Bank of America Stadium for the first time since 2015.
On fourth down attempts last season—a key area for head coach Canales—Young attempted passes 25 times (third-most in league). He completed 75 percent of those throws with a passer rating of 156.3 on fourth down—the highest among quarterbacks with at least ten attempts.
General manager Dan Morgan confirmed plans to pick up Young’s fifth-year option for 2027. The estimated value is $26.5 million—a figure near the lower third among starting quarterbacks—which ensures continuity at quarterback while allowing development around receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
Dalton remains an experienced presence despite limited action last season due to injury during his lone start against Buffalo. Morgan indicated openness to adding another developmental quarterback after Mike White’s contract expired following a midseason stint; Hendon Hooker had previously been on Carolina’s practice squad before being released.
The Panthers’ recent consistency at quarterback contrasts previous years marked by change at this position group.
The Carolina Panthers were established as an NFL expansion team in 1995 and represent both North and South Carolina with operations based in Charlotte where they host games downtown according to their official website. Over their history they have secured multiple division titles and playoff appearances as detailed by team sources, including notable seasons such as reaching Super Bowl XXXVIII.
The organization emphasizes building a championship culture while engaging fans across both Carolinas through ticketing options and community initiatives according to their official website.
