With the NFC South on the line, the Carolina Panthers are set to make an important decision regarding the future of their franchise. The Panthers have had a topsy-turvy 2025 season with Bryce Young as their QB1. The 24-year-old has performed extremely well with his 2,745 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Based on these numbers, the Carolina Panthers are expected to pick up his fifth-year contract option this offseason.

“My sense is, and from what I’m hearing, that the Panthers will pick up Bryce Young’s 5th year option,” NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on X. “It’s about 26 and a half million dollars, which is a serious bargain for quarterbacks in this market that would put them under contract until 2027, but they would most likely want to see more.”

Further explaining Carolina’s plan with Bryce Young, Fowler highlighted that the Panthers will be taking a season-by-season approach as the 24-year-old has shown vulnerabilities despite having a great year so far.

He’s good on third down,” Fowler added. “He’s got a flair for scoring, but just three games of 200 or more yards passing this year, that’s just simply not enough. They’re gonna need to really open this up and see a little bit more. I expect a sort of pay-as-you-go situation for now, so they’re open to it long term. But I don’t expect a five-year deal to come in the next couple of months either.”

This inconsistency has been a persistent issue for Bryce Young throughout the season, as he has had 14 turnovers in 15 games, including 10 interceptions and 6 fumbles (4 lost). Further, Young has been blowing hot and cold all year long.

The 24-year-old has highs like his standout game in Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons, breaking Cam Newton’s franchise record with 448 passing yards and throwing for three touchdowns. But in stark contrast, he set a season-low for passing yards just a few weeks later in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, managing only 54 yards along with an interception. Hence, the Panthers are willing to take this steady approach with Bryce Young.

Now, shifting focus to the final game of the season, the Carolina Panthers face an interesting predicament as their playoff berth can be confirmed in various ways. Addressing this uncertainty regarding the postseason, head coach Dave Canales has issued a strong statement.

Canales addresses Carolina’s uncertain playoff path

Ahead of the final game of the regular season, the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers have multiple ways to book their place in the playoffs. The first and most straightforward way would entail defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their shootout for the NFC South. But Carolina can also make it to the postseason if the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints, despite a defeat for the Panthers.

Addressing these various scenarios, head coach Dave Canales had a clear message for his Panthers.

“We’re aware of all those scenarios, and it’s a pretty simple path,” Canales said. We’ve got to handle business and win the game, and that’s got to be our focus, first and foremost, against a team I really respect. All the other scenarios will play out how they will.”

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Now, with these various scenarios up ahead, the Carolina Panthers fans will hope that their team will avoid any further confusion by sealing a playoff spot by defeating the Buccaneers and clinching the divisional title.