Panthers Exec Dodges Bryce Young Contract Extension Questions Ahead of NFL Season

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is entering the final season of his rookie contract before a team option next year, which means the team will soon decide whether to give him an extension.

Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis was coy on the subject on Monday.

"I want what's best for the organization, and that's not for me to decide," Tilis said (5:30 mark). "It's a collaborative deal."

Tilis added that discussions about Young's contract will be kept "within" the organization when asked about a potential new deal before the start of the season.

Tilis praised the season Young had last year, but added that there is still some "unknown."

"I would say he ascended last year and there is still room for him to ascend," Tilis said. "His ceiling is currently unknown and I think that is exciting for us. He's working hard to get himself there."

Young had the best season of his career last year, throwing for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while adding 216 yards and a pair of scores on the ground.

He led the Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2017 as they finished 8-9.

But the 25-year-old Young has still yet to prove himself as a franchise quarterback. If he can put together another year of growth in 2026, he could leave Carolina with no other choice but to extend him.