Carolina Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis chatted with reporters following Monday’s training camp practice. And, in perhaps the least surprising development of the entire outing, he was asked (quite a few times) about the latest on a potential contract extension for quarterback Bryce Young.
“Any extensions—whether it’s with Bryce or anybody else, any of those negotiations—we’ll just keep those conversations internal among the organization and the agent,” Tilis began.
Tilis and the Panthers picked up Young’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason. The move ties the former No. 1 overall pick to the organization through the 2027 campaign, which should give the front office some extra time to decide on a more substantial commitment.
Young probably got them thinking more after last season, where he passed for career-highs in completion rate (63.6 percent), passing yards (3,011) and passing touchdowns (23). He also helped lead Carolina to their first playoff berth since 2017 and their first NFC South crown since 2015.
Tilis did acknowledge’s Young growth, but implied that there’s certainly more to be had.
“I would say he ascended last year, and there’s still room for him to ascend,” he later stated. “His ceiling, currently, is unknown—and I think that’s exciting for us. And he’s working hard to get himself there.”
Despite his encouraging progress, Young hasn’t exactly established himself as a certifiable franchise quarterback. The production simply hasn’t been worthy of a long-term pact, as he’s totaled only eight games of at least 250 passing yards over 45 career starts.
Tilis was then asked if he thinks the Panthers have done enough to help Young get closer to that ceiling.
“Absolutely, yeah,” Tilis replied. “The team is better, the coaches are good and Bryce is puttin’ in the work, too. It’s all there. And, like, we’ll just see how the year plays out. And I think we’re all really excited for what Bryce is gonna show and how the team is gonna be.”
The Panthers have invested a great deal of resources into their offensive line in the last few years—including the big-money additions of guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt as well as the selection of 2026 first-round tackle Monroe Freeling. Most of their money this offseason went into elevating the other side of the ball—with a four-year, $120 million pact for outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and a three-year, $42 million pact for Pro Bowl inside linebacker Devin Lloyd.
And just for good measure, Tilis was asked if he would like an extension for Young to be completed before the season kicks off.
“I want what’s best for the organization,” Tilis remarked. “And that’s not for me to decide. But, again, it’s a collaborative deal.”
So when, or if, that deal is reached is—of course—still in question.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Top Panthers exec grilled over latest on extension for QB Bryce Young
