What happened: The Carolina Panthers are 2-2 in first place entering the bye before facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Bryce Young leads the NFL in basic and Next Gen passing categories through four games. He is on the fifth year option under contract through the 2027 season.

Why it matters: Young completed 304 of 478 passes for 3,011 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 16 games in 2025 with the Panthers. That baseline plus a four game jump to the upper tier changes his valuation timeline. An offseason extension keeps Carolina in control of the next five years instead of facing tag season.