Where Do the Panthers Stand In Extension Talks With QB Bryce Young?

The Carolina Panthers picked up Bryce Young's fifth-year option. The long-term extension question is open. The Panthers' GM said the right things, and not much else, on the show.

The framing came from the show. Bryce is in year three for a former number one overall pick. That is typically when the deal gets done.

The GM started with the calendar.

"We just picked up his fifth-year option, and you know, I think contract-wise in terms of long-term contract, we'll keep talking about that here internally and we'll get it done at the right time," the Panthers GM said.

The reasoning he leaned on was developmental.

"We believe in Bryce," the GM said. "He's gotten better every single year. He's developing as a leader. He has such a good grasp of Coach Canales and Brad Idzik's offense. He's just getting better every single day."

Rich asked the deeper question. Does Young need to be reassured that not extending him at the year-three mark is not a signal?

The GM said the communication is good.

"We always do a great job of communicating with all our players, not just Bryce," the GM said. "Bryce knows where we stand with him and he feels the same way about us. When and if a deal gets done, it's one of those things where he knows we feel great about him. He feels great about where we're headed. So we'll get something done at the right time."

Rich asked the direct version. Is this a prove-it situation?

The answer was the company answer.

"I think everybody on our roster has to prove every single day their value and worth," the GM said. "Everybody knows that in this building, that you have to go work and go earn everything."