Carolina Panthers Notebook: QB Bryce Young Collecting NFL Honors, Paving Way To Extension?

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Carolina Panthers Notebook: QB Bryce Young Collecting NFL Honors, Paving Way To Extension?

Is quarterback Bryce Young making the decision easy for Carolina Panthers management? 

While Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has until 2026 to offer or decline a fifth year on Young’s rookie contract, the 2023 first overall draft pick is making a case for the one-year extension. 

Battling through two additional injuries to his already tender right ankle, Young passed for a franchise record 448 yards, leading the Panthers to a come-from-behind 30-27 overtime victory over the host Atlanta Falcons. He earned NFC offensive player of the week honors Wednesday.  

 He broke the previous mark established by Cam Newton, who compiled 432 yards against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 18, 2011. 

“You didn’t want me to say it first, but I’m still going to repeat it, individual awards, that’s not what I’m after,” Young said after Sunday’s game, per Panthers.com. “It doesn’t mean anything. We had the most important stat today and it was a win. That’s all that matters. 

Young became the fifth Panthers player to earn a weekly honor this season, joining running back Rico Dowdle (Week 5), rookie placekicker Ryan Fitzgerald (Week 6), punter Same Martin (Week 7) and safety Tre’von Moehrig (Week 9). 

Much maligned over the past three seasons, Young endured inconsistent starts as NFL insiders debated his future. Young posted 10 career game-winning drives, more than any QB since 2023. 

The Panthers (6-5) next travel to face the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) on Monday night. 

With Morgan nearing a decision whether to extend the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner or move on with a different signal-caller, Young appears to be playing himself into a longer stay in Charlotte, N.C.   

Carolina Panthers Quick Hitters 

Young and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan earned FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week honors. McMillan recorded a career-best eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. … The Panthers announced linebacker Jacoby Windmon re-joined the practice squad. Starting inside linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace enter Week 13 slowed by injuries.