Panthers EVP Brandt Tilis: Bryce Young's ceiling is unknown, that's exciting for us

Published August 3, 2026 02:15 PM Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is eligible for an extension after completing his third season. It doesn’t sound like one is coming any time soon. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 draft, Young is under contract through 2027 after Carolina picked up his fifth-year option in the spring. Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis spoke with the media in a Monday press conference, saying the club will keep extension discussions on Young and everyone else in-house. But Tilis characterized the situation as positive for Carolina.“I would say [Young] ascended last year and there’s still room for him to ascend,” Tilis said. “His ceiling, currently, is unknown and I think that’s exciting for us. He’s working hard to get himself there.” Tilis noted that the continuity with Dave Canales in his third year as head coach has put Young in a good situation to succeed in 2026.“The team is better, the coaches are good, and Bryce is putting in the work, too,” Tilis said. “So, it’s all there. And we’ll just see how the year plays out. I think we’re all really excited for what Bryce is going to show and how the team’s going to be.”Tilis was asked directly if seeing how the year plays out means Young will not receive a new deal before the start of the regular season, but Tilis again noted that the team will keep discussions in-house.While it has not all been with the same regime, Young already has three years of experience — which is often enough time to have a clear picture of who a player is and what his ceiling might be. But Tilis said that in Young’s case, he wouldn’t necessarily think that he should have a better read on the QB’s future.“The team is growing, too,” Tilis said. “So, he’s going to ascend as the team ascends and vice versa — the team is going to get better as he does. So, it’s all good.”Young, 25, has started 44 games through his first three seasons. He’s completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 8,291 yards with 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. Last season was his best, as he finished 2025 with a 63.6 percent completion rate, 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.