CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Standing at the podium for his post-game press conference Saturday, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young received a question regarding the open-ended fifth season of his rookie contract.
The 2023 first overall draft pick responded: “It’s not my call to make.”
When Dave Canales received a similar inquiry following the Panthers’ 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL Wild Card matchup at Bank of America Stadium, the coach sidestepped the query.
“That’s all for conversations after the season,” Canales said.
The internal discussions proved limited.
Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan announced Tuesday the franchise will pick up the fifth year on Young’s rookie contract.
“Definately,” Morgan said. “Bryce has shown flashes of greatness this year against high level competition.”
By triggering the option, the Panthers appear committed to Young, who had an inauspicious start to his NFL career, as their franchise quarterback. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner remains slated to earn $26.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2027 campaign.
After the Panthers finished 2-15 during his rookie season, Young was benched following two poor starts last season. Since returning as a starter six weeks later, Young has performed with renewed confidence. He enjoyed career marks in completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011), passing touchdowns (23) and passer rating (87.8) this season. Despite playing with a nagging right ankle, he guided the 8-9 Panthers to the NFC South title. Six times, he led the Panthers to victories with game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.
“I can’t say enough about the way Bryce stepped up,” Canales said.
#Panthers GM Dan Morgan with breaking news regarding QB Bryce Young during Tuesday’s end of #NFL season press conference … pic.twitter.com/uWwtahoa8T
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 13, 2026
Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan Up For Top Rookie Honor
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan learned Tuesday he was named a finalist for the Pepsi Rookie of the Year award.
The 2025 top-10 draft pick posted 70 catches and seven catches, tops among all first-year players. His 1,014 receiving yards snapped the Panthers’ rookie record.
“I think we definitely envisioned what we got, otherwise, I don’t think we would have drafted him at No. 8,” Morgan said. “Just another guy that comes in, works, (pays) attention to detail and it shows out on the field on Sundays.”
McMillan earned the Week 6 NFL Rookie of the Week honor after scoring his first two professional touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. McMillan is also considered a favorite to earn a nomination for the NFL Associated Press offensive rookie of the year award.
How many #NFL rookie honors will #Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan collect this offseason? … pic.twitter.com/Nx1CgSBQ2I
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 14, 2026
The post Carolina Panthers Notebook: GM Dan Morgan Speaks On Bryce Young’s 5th Year, Tetairoa McMillan’s Rookie Honors appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.