In theory, the Carolina Panthers should continue to show progress in the 2026 NFL season—highlighted by more growth from fourth-year starting quarterback Bryce Young and an upgraded defensive front seven.
But there’s no guarantee that Young will level his game up again. And if he doesn’t, Carolina’s hopes of making it back to the playoffs will come crashing down on the rocks of a much more difficult schedule than they faced in 2025.
Some analysts believe that’s the way it will go. Moe Moton at Bleacher Report has predicted that Young will be the Panthers’ biggest bust for the 2026 season.
Young will likely need to show that he can be a productive, high-volume passer when necessary this year, and that seems unlikely because of a tough schedule. The Panthers won the NFC South with a sub-.500 record on a third-place schedule last year. In 2026, they will play on a first-place schedule that includes games against the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. Young could regress as he faces more division leaders this year than last season.
Young will likely need to show that he can be a productive, high-volume passer when necessary this year, and that seems unlikely because of a tough schedule. The Panthers won the NFC South with a sub-.500 record on a third-place schedule last year. In 2026, they will play on a first-place schedule that includes games against the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. Young could regress as he faces more division leaders this year than last season.
We have seen bits and flashes of elite potential from Young over the years.
As a rookie, he put in a sharp game in a narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers. He’d then bounce back after a benching in his second season, posting at least a 100 passer rating in the final three outings of 2024.
Last year, Young roasted the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams and put in two solid performances against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished with career-highs across the board and helped lead the Panthers to their first division title since 2015.
Then again, Young also recorded 12 starts of 200 passing yards or fewer in 2025 and eight games with a quarterback rating under 50. We know he’s capable of playing great football here and there—but to take the next step, he’s going to have to raise that basement quite a bit.
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