Bryce Young's Struggles Continue, Raising Questions About Panthers' Future

Bryce Young's 2025 season has not shown the anticipated step forward after a promising end to 2024. Despite a lower sack rate and higher passing success rate, his interception rate has risen for the second consecutive season, and he is averaging a league-worst 5.6 yards per attempt. Offensive line injuries have not helped, and Young has only seven deep completions all season, forcing the Panthers to rely on runs or short passes. His high off-target rate on non-deep attempts hinders sustained drives. The Panthers must decide on Young's roughly $25.6 million fifth-year option for 2027. If declined, his future in Carolina is uncertain, especially with the original coaching staff no longer in place, potentially leading to a trade, a backup role, or a competition for the starting job.