Bryce Young’s NFL career hasn’t followed the fairytale arc some imagined when the Carolina Panthers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A national champion at Alabama, a Heisman Trophy winner, and a quarterback with poise, accuracy, and maturity beyond his years, Young entered the league with immense expectations. His rookie season, however, proved turbulent—plagued by inconsistent offensive line play, questionable play-calling, and a roster in flux. But despite the hurdles, NFL analysts are beginning to see signs of a turnaround, and some believe that the young quarterback may be on a path that eventually earns him a much bigger contract—one that affirms his status as a franchise cornerstone in Charlotte.
The belief isn’t entirely rooted in surface-level stats, which were underwhelming in Year 1. Young threw for just 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing only 59.8% of his passes. But a deeper analysis of his performance shows a quarterback who managed to remain composed under extraordinary pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Young was pressured on over 40% of his dropbacks, one of the highest rates in the league. His offensive line struggled mightily, particularly on the edges, and the Panthers’ wide receiver corps lacked a true No. 1 threat. Veteran Adam Thielen led the team in receptions, but the lack of explosive playmakers limited Young’s ability to stretch the field.
That context has made many analysts more forgiving of Young’s initial struggles. The tools that made him a top draft pick—accuracy, decision-making, creativity outside the pocket, and leadership—didn’t disappear. They simply didn’t have the opportunity to shine. And now, with a retooled offense, a new coaching staff led by head coach Dave Canales, and the addition of veteran wideout Diontae Johnson and rookie receiver Xavier Legette, there’s growing optimism that Young could make a significant leap in Year 2.
Canales, who previously worked wonders with quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, has a reputation for developing efficient, confident signal-callers. His offensive scheme is predicated on simplifying reads, emphasizing play-action, and creating quick-strike opportunities—all of which align perfectly with Young’s skill set. For the first time in his NFL career, Young is operating in a quarterback-friendly system designed to protect him both physically and mentally. Early reports from Panthers’ minicamp suggest he’s thriving. Teammates have raved about his command of the huddle, his film-study habits, and his growing chemistry with Johnson, Legette, and second-year tight end Tommy Tremble.
One of the factors driving speculation about a future payday for Young is the recent explosion in quarterback salaries. The market has shifted dramatically, with even mid-tier starters commanding north of \$40 million annually. Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence have all inked massive extensions—most before entering their fourth seasons. If Young takes a leap in Year 2 and solidifies his status as a long-term starter, it’s likely the Panthers will look to extend him before the end of his rookie contract to avoid a bidding war or the stress of the franchise tag.
But beyond market dynamics, the belief in Young’s long-term potential also stems from his intangibles. Coaches and analysts often speak about his “CEO mindset”—a label that goes beyond the cliches. Young has a calm, even-keeled demeanor that steadies the locker room. He doesn’t get rattled after turnovers or losses, and his accountability in postgame press conferences has earned him respect from veterans and coaches alike. He studies relentlessly, arrives early, and stays late. These are the habits of quarterbacks who eventually win and get paid.
To understand how this could play out financially, consider the trajectory of someone like Jared Goff. After a rocky start with the Rams, Goff bounced back under a new coaching regime and eventually earned a substantial extension. The Lions, betting on his maturation and fit in their system, rewarded him with a new deal in 2024 that places him among the top-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Bryce Young could very well follow a similar arc: early struggles, an adjustment period, and then a breakout once the right pieces fall into place.
The Panthers, too, have incentives to invest in Young. Finding a franchise quarterback is one of the most difficult and costly endeavors in professional sports. Carolina gave up significant draft capital to move up to No. 1 and select Young—passing on C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson in the process. For the sake of organizational stability and return on investment, the front office has every reason to build around Young and give him the best chance to succeed. And if he proves in 2024 that he can elevate the team, a contract extension not only becomes possible but probable.
There’s also a broader philosophical shift happening across the NFL. Teams are increasingly prioritizing stability at the quarterback position, even if the early returns aren’t perfect. Look at the situations in New York with Daniel Jones, in Atlanta with Kirk Cousins, or in Chicago with the commitment to rookie Caleb Williams. Teams are choosing to bet on development rather than constantly resetting at quarterback. That bodes well for someone like Young, who has all the foundational traits but simply needs time and the right infrastructure to flourish.
Of course, Young will have to earn that contract with results. Improved stats alone won’t be enough—he must also demonstrate leadership, resilience, and the ability to win close games. The NFC South remains wide open, with no dominant team. If Young can lead the Panthers to 7–9 wins and show marked improvement in decision-making, pocket presence, and red-zone efficiency, the case for a long-term commitment becomes compelling.
Another major factor is how Young’s relationship with his teammates evolves. Franchise quarterbacks often become the faces of the team in both performance and personality. Tom Brady had that aura in New England, Patrick Mahomes has it in Kansas City, and even someone like Justin Herbert has grown into that role in Los Angeles. For Young to secure a big-money deal, he must become more than just a productive player—he must become the central figure in the franchise’s culture and identity.
Some analysts have gone as far as to compare Young’s situation to that of Tua Tagovailoa in Miami. Both were Alabama stars who entered the league with sky-high expectations. Tua struggled early, faced criticism, and dealt with coaching turnover. But once the Dolphins surrounded him with talent and stability, his production soared. He’s now one of the most efficient passers in the league and is nearing a lucrative contract extension. Young could follow that same trajectory if the Panthers maintain continuity and support his development.
There are still skeptics, of course. Some believe Young’s smaller frame makes him susceptible to injury or limits his ceiling. Others question whether his arm strength will allow him to thrive in all weather conditions or against elite defenses. But those concerns can be mitigated by scheme, talent, and situational awareness—all areas where Young excels or is improving. The real question is whether he can consistently produce winning football, not just clean mechanics and good intentions.
Ultimately, Bryce Young’s path to a big contract isn’t guaranteed—it’s contingent on growth, health, team success, and timing. But there’s an increasing sense around the league that the worst is behind him. With the right coaching, improved protection, and better weapons, Young has an opportunity to rewrite his narrative in Year 2 and beyond. He doesn’t need to become an MVP candidate overnight. He just needs to show that he’s the steady, ascending quarterback the Panthers envisioned when they drafted him.
If that happens, the contract will follow. And it won’t just be big—it’ll be a sign of belief, commitment, and a new era of football in Carolina, led by a quarterback who may finally be ready to meet the moment.
