Mike KayeSep 9, 2026, 03:45 PM ET

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, who spoke to reporters ahead of the team practicing for its Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears, said Wednesday that he is a "believer" in starting quarterback Bryce Young.

Young, 23, is entering his fourth season as the Panthers starting quarterback, and he is eligible for a contract extension after the team picked up his fifth-year option this offseason for 2027. And while Tepper deferred to general manager Dan Morgan on matters of Young's contract status, the Panthers owner said he was encouraged by Young's performance in 2025.

"He has performed at a high level against high-level competition," Tepper said. "It seems to bring out the best in him. Bryce is the sort of guy that doesn't feel the pressure, right? You saw it against the Rams twice. When you have that kind of performance, you know it's there. Can he bring it every single game? I believe he can. You know it's there. So like I said, I'm a believer, and hopefully it becomes true."

The Panthers traded a haul of picks -- including what would become the first overall pick in 2024 -- and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Bears in 2023 for the top pick in that year's draft to take Young.

Since arriving in Carolina, Young has experienced highs and lows on the field. He was benched three weeks into his second season after head coach Dave Canales chose to start journeyman backup Andy Dalton for a game stretch before injuries sidelined the elder passer. Young is also now on his fourth play-caller in four seasons with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking on the responsibilities this season

Young has had encouraging finishes to the past two seasons, and he led the Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2017 by winning the NFC South title, albeit at 8-9.

Over his past 25 regular-season games, Young has thrown for 4,891 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. But he also has a sub-.500 record during that stretch as well, despite going 8-8 as a starter last season.

The Panthers are hoping to turn around their early season fortunes in the coming weeks. Young, Canales and company have started 1-3 in each of the past two seasons. They've also finished in the both third of the league in first-quarter scoring in 2024 and 2025. That said, Young has led 12 game-winning drives during his first three seasons in the league.

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Panthers owner Tepper a 'believer' in QB Young

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