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Panthers Owner David Tepper Could Be 'Getting Itchy' Waiting for Bryce Young's Leap
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- Panthers Owner David Tepper Could Be 'Getting Itchy' Waiting for Bryce Young's Leap
The Carolina Panthers are entering a pivotal season. The team has playoff aspirations once again, but how far they go depends on quarterback Bryce Young .
Young had his best season in 2025, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 23 touchdowns. That was good enough to keep the Panthers competitive in most games, and even give the Rams a run for their money in the playoffs.
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The thing is, Young is going to need a new contract soon. The team picked up his fifth-year option, but they've been hesitant to work out a long-term extension. It seems like the team wants to see how Young performs this year before giving him the kind of money he would command on an extension.
Panthers' David Tepper Could Get Restless
Panthers owner David Tepper desperately wants his team to be a contender. The owner hasn't typically been known for his patience, even if he's becoming more pragmatic.
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Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently discussed some of the young quarterbacks who will soon need new deals. When it comes to Young, Orr thinks the Tepper could grow tired of waiting for Young to break out.
"This team has to believe that it's in a window," said Orr . "Young can play the 2027 season under his club option, but will it ever feel like smashing against a concrete ceiling? Owner David Tepper, who is learning to develop a pragmatic side, may start to get itchy after this season if Young doesn't take the major step into a game-altering killer, especially with the development of weapons Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker."
As Orr mentioned, Tepper could "get itchy" if Young looks the same or worse than he did last year. The quarterback's 2025 season was good, but was it good enough for a long-term commitment? Young's weapons are also the best they've ever been, as Tetairoa McMillan is a true WR1, and Jalen Coker is a solid complementary option.
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Head coach Dave Canales has publicly backed Young , but the quarterback just needs to prove it now. If the Panthers get back to the postseason in 2026 while having one of the toughest schedules in the league, Young will definitely earn his deal.
If this season does go off the rails, it will be tempting for the Panthers to add a new quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. That draft is expected to be loaded with passers, such as Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, and Dante Moore, among others.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
