Panthers picking up QB Bryce Young’s 5th-year option

The Carolina Panthers will pick up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option, general manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday.

The option will pay the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft a guaranteed $26.5 million in 2027.

Young, 24, led the Panthers to an NFC South title this season while setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011) and touchdown passes (23) in 16 starts.

He completed 21 of 40 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s 34-31 home wild-card loss against the Los Angeles Rams. He also rushed for 24 yards and a score.

“Bryce has shown flashes of greatness this year against high level competition,” Morgan said at his season-ending press conference. “Just as a team we weren’t as consistent as we want to be on a game-to-game basis, but that’s part of what happens with a young team.

“Bryce did a great job this year, and I’m just really excited about moving forward and still developing chemistry with our receivers and just the pieces around him.”

Morgan did not rule out a long-term contract for Young, who missed one start this season with an ankle sprain.

“We are still talking through the roster and where things look from a big picture view,” Morgan said. “That is still stuff that is up in the air that we are still working through at this point.”

Young is 14-30 as a starter through three seasons, completing 61.4% of his passes for 8,291 yards, 49 TDs and 30 interceptions. He has rushed for 718 yards and eight scores.

–Field Level Media

Bills quarterback Mike White celebrates as Shane Buechele throws a perfect three-for-three during position drills during the final day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Pittsford, NY.

Panthers add QB Mike White, put G Brady Christensen on IR

The Panthers signed Mike White to their active roster from the practice squad on Thursday with fellow quarterback Andy Dalton nursing a sore thumb.

Dalton sustained his injury in a spot start last Sunday in place of Bryce Young, who did not play in that contest due to an ankle injury.

Young, however, was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and is trending toward playing for Carolina (4-4) against the host Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) on Sunday.

White, 30, has completed 61.4% percent of his passes for 2,247 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 career games (seven starts) with the New York Jets (2021-22), Miami Dolphins (2023) and Buffalo Bills (2024).

In a corresponding roster move on Thursday, the Panthers placed guard Brady Christensen on injured reserve.

Christensen, 29, tore his Achilles in Carolina’s 40-9 drubbing by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

He has played in 59 career games (34 starts) since being selected by the Panthers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Andy Dalton slated to start for Panthers with Bryce Young ailing

Carolina Panthers veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will start Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills whether or not Bryce Young is active, ESPN reported Friday.

Carolina listed Young as doubtful on Friday due to the sprained right ankle that prevented him from practicing all week. Panthers coach Dave Canales didn’t rule Young out of the game, but ESPN cited a team spokesman saying Dalton will start regardless of Young’s availability.

Young was injured during last Sunday’s 13-6 victory over the New York Jets and exited the game in the third quarter.

“He’s made progress every day, and we want to just keep our options open right now,” Canales said Friday. “Didn’t want to rule him out, just wanted to say, ‘OK, you woke up today, it was better than you did yesterday, so tomorrow we’ll move around.’ We rested it pretty good today. We had two good days of work on that ankle, so we’ll take a look at it again tomorrow, and then we’ll make the best decision from there.”

Dalton is in his third season with Carolina and will be making his seventh career start for the team. He compiled a 1-5 record in the first six.

“Every opportunity I get to be out there, I’m going to enjoy every moment,” Dalton said earlier this week. “You never know how many you’re going to get.

“Obviously, you hate that Bryce got hurt, but I get to be in there and get to be a part of it and impact the game, so every chance you get you look forward to it.”

Dalton, who turns 38 on Wednesday, has seen action in three games this season. He’s completed 9 of 13 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, including completing 4 of 7 attempts for 60 yards after relieving Young against the Jets.

The 15-year veteran was a Pro Bowl pick three times during his nine seasons (2011-19) with the Cincinnati Bengals before bouncing around the league. He has totaled 39,618 passing yards, 254 touchdowns and 150 interceptions in 178 games (168 starts).

Young, 24, has passed for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games this season, his third in the NFL. He was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 draft.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) exits the field during the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Panthers QB Bryce Young (ankle) misses practice again

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young missed practice Thursday for the second straight day due to his right ankle injury.

Young was injured during last Sunday’s 13-6 victory over the New York Jets and exited the game in the third quarter.

Young has yet to work on the field this week, suggesting veteran Andy Dalton is being prepared for Sunday’s home game against the Buffalo Bills.

Carolina coach Dave Canales termed Young as “day-to-day” for the Buffalo game. Young underwent an MRI exam earlier in the week that ruled out major damage.

Young, 24, has passed for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games this season, his third in the NFL.

Dalton, who turns 38 on Oct. 29, has seen action in three games this season. He’s completed 9 of 13 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, including completing 4 of 7 attempts for 60 yards after relieving Young against the Jets.

The 15-year veteran is in his third season with the Panthers. He was a Pro Bowl pick three times during his nine seasons (2011-19) with the Cincinnati Bengals before bouncing around the league.

Defensive tackle Cam Jackson (illness) was added to the injury report and didn’t practice Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) exits the field during the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Reports: Panthers without Bryce Young (ankle) for Week 8

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and is not expected to be available for Week 8 when Carolina hosts the Buffalo Bills, NFL Network reported Monday.

Young was removed from Sunday’s win over the Jets and head coach Dave Canales said he was concerned about the potential for a long-term absence.

Young was unable to support his body weight with his injured right leg and ankle, but an MRI exam on Monday showed no major structural damage beyond the ankle sprain, according to reports.

Andy Dalton relieved Young in the 13-6 win at New York and will start this week for the Panthers (4-3) against the Bills (4-2).

With running back Chuba Hubbard returning to the Panthers on Sunday after a two-week absence, Canales said the offense is built for a running game, which should benefit the team in the event of an injury-sparked QB change. Rico Dowdle and Hubbard have a combined 799 rushing yards this season.

“It’s running the football,” Canales said of the strength of the offense. “And Andy can handle all those things and the pass game, the reps, the time on task with the group that we have, we’ve got to stay within the core of our system, and Andy’s fully involved in all that. So if he does play, that’ll be the mode.”

Young, 24, left the game after a quarterback sack in the third quarter.

Carolina’s defense helped preserve the victory with two interceptions in the second half by cornerback Jaycee Horn. The Panthers also had six sacks.

Dalton, 38, started five games last season and has appeared in 178 NFL games (168 starts) over 15 seasons. He is 382 passing yards shy of 40,000 for his career.

–Field Level Media

Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 13

This time of year can be difficult for bettors. It is not unusual for a struggling NFL team to play well for a day and keep it close against a better team. But if taking such a bet does not sound like a good idea, give one (or more) of the hundreds of player props a try.

With three games on Thanksgiving and another on Black Friday, there are fewer games than usual. However, there are still hundreds of NFL player props available. To help you decide which to bet on, here is our top 10 list of player props for Sunday’s Week 13 slate.

NFL Week 13: Player Props

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Pat Freiermuth, four-plus receptions at +194 (FanDuel)

Freiermuth had four last week in the loss to the Browns and at least that many in each of the first four games of the season. But against a passing team like the Bengals, the Steelers will likely need every weapon in their arsenal to keep up with the Cincinnati passing game. The Bengals’ defense has taken it relatively easy on tight ends this year. So, whether the Steelers are trying to catch up or control the ball, there is a good chance Freiermuth plays a bigger part than usual and makes four-plus receptions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young, O/U 195.5 at -114/-114 (FanDuel)

Those of us who have not paid much attention to the Carolina Panthers this season might be surprised to hear that Bryce Young has been playing pretty well since returning to the starting lineup. He’s thrown for 200-plus yards in two of his past four games and is completing 60-plus percent of his passes. Tampa Bay has a solid run defense. Since the Bucs will probably throw early and often, the Panthers will need Young to throw the ball to catch up and/or be competitive. With how well Young is playing right now, we’ll take the OVER.

Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots

Drake Maye, O/U 220.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (DraftKings)

Maye threw for more than 220 passing yards against the Rams and Dolphins, two solid defenses, in his past two games. The Colts’ defense ranks No. 27 in pass defense and has seen opponents average 34 pass attempts and 231.7 yards per game over the past three. Maye has averaged right around 34 attempts and 230 yards over his past three. Take the OVER.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints

Kyren Williams, O/U 19.5 rushing attempts at -102/-128 (FanDuel)
O/U 82.5 rushing yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)
O/U 11.5 receiving yards (DraftKings)

Williams had 16, 15, and 15 carries the past three weeks but had 20-plus in the previous four and has averaged 18.8 per game this season. But he’ll be facing a New Orleans Saints team that has seen opponents run the ball 26.7 times per game and 27.8 at home. The Rams tend to run a little less on the road, but they are fighting to remain in the playoff conversation (just like the Saints). To that end, they’ll put the ball in the hands of their playmaker rather than spread the touches among multiple backs.

New Orleans has been giving up 134.2 yards per game on the ground but has been especially weak against the run at home (163.2 yards per game). Wiliams has gone for over 82.5 yards in three of the five games in which he had 20-plus carries.
But against a Saints team giving up 160-plus at home, take the OVER.

Williams has not been targeted in the passing game the past two weeks (three total). In the eight games where he had at least one catch, he finished with under 11.5 yards in three. He is not a priority in the passing game. Take the UNDER.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

C.J. Stroud, O/U 259.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
Tank Dell, O/U 51.5 receiving yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)
O/U 4.5 receptions at +130/-170 (FanDuel)
Nico Collins, O/U longest reception 26.5 yards at -130/+100 (BetMGM)

This should be the ‘get-right’ game C.J. Stroud and the Texans have needed for weeks. Jacksonville has overtaken the Ravens as the worst pass defense in the NFL. Stroud has gone over 259.5 passing yards just once in Houston’s past seven games.

But opponents are averaging 278.3 yards per game this season and close to 300 over the past three games. If Stroud can’t go off against this team with the talent at his disposal …

Tank Dell has gone over 51.5 yards in both games with Nico Collins back in the lineup. But against a Jacksonville defense that has allowed an average of 13.5 receptions for 183.5 yards, Dell should see a few more targets.

Collins will be the primary receiver, of course, but Dell could still see balls thrown his way and that should be enough for him to go OVER both marks. As for Collins, he has had a reception of 28-plus yards in every game but one. Jacksonville has given up 52 pass plays of 20-plus yards and nine of 40-plus.

Take the OVER.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Panthers QB Bryce Young to start against Saints

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will make his second straight start on Sunday against the visiting New Orleans Saints.

Head coach Dave Canales announced Wednesday that Andy Dalton was a full participant at practice but continues to rehab his sprained right thumb.

Young regained QB1 status last week after Dalton was injured in a car accident. Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in last Sunday’s 28-14 loss at Denver.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young is 0-3 as a starter this season and the Panthers (1-7) have lost five straight heading into their Week 9 NFC South clash with the Saints (2-6).

Young, 23, has completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 523 yards with two TDs and five interceptions this season. He threw two of those picks in a 47-10 Week 1 loss at New Orleans. Dalton, who turned 37 on Tuesday, has completed 66.3 percent of his throws for 989 yards with seven scores and six picks.

Canales was not ready Wednesday to commit to Young as the starter beyond this weekend.

“Bryce will be starting this week,” Canales said. “We’ll collect all the information over the week with Andy, with Bryce, how he plays this week, and then we’ll make another decision next week.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receivers Adam Thielen (19) and Diontae Johnson (5) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers rule out WRs Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen

Bryce Young will be minus two top targets when he gets back under center for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

On Friday, receivers Diontae Johnson (rib) and Adam Thielen (hamstring) were ruled out for the Week 8 game at Denver.

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who started the past five games after replacing Young, is listed as doubtful against the Broncos due to a sprained right thumb sustained in a car accident on Tuesday.

Johnson, 28, leads the Panthers (1-6) in receptions (30), targets (58), receiving yards (357) and receiving touchdowns (three).

Thielen, 34, will miss his fifth straight game. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has eight catches for 109 yards and one TD.

Young’s available wide receivers against the Broncos (4-3) include rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker along with David Moore and Jonathan Mingo.

–Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) listens to quarterback Bryce Young (9) as they warm up before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Bryce Young to start for Panthers; Andy Dalton hurt in crash

Bryce Young will start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers this week after Andy Dalton showed up on the injury report with a sprained right thumb on Wednesday.

Dalton was held out of practice Wednesday, one day after he was involved in a car accident while traveling with his wife and three children in Charlotte, N.C.

“Scary moment for sure,” coach Dave Canales said Wednesday. “Everyone was OK. Everyone’s healthy. Unfortunately in the accident he did sprain his thumb, so Bryce will be playing this week for us and we’ll be evaluating Andy day-to-day going into this weekend, see if we can get him up as the two (backup QB) on game day.”

Carolina (1-6) plays at Denver (4-3) on Sunday.

Dalton replaced Young as the starter in Week 3. Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 299 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in four games (two starts) this season.

Dalton, 36, has thrown for 989 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions in five starts this season.

A 14-year veteran, Dalton has tallied 39,500 career passing yards with 253 touchdowns and 150 interceptions in 175 games (1686 starts), mostly from his nine-year tenure with Cincinnati (2011-19).

Dalton and Young are the only quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Rookie Jack Plummer is on the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) helped off the turf after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Rookie coach Dave Canales takes blame for Bryce Young’s brutal outing

Rookie coach Dave Canales took the blame for Carolina’s futile offensive effort and the career-worst 32.8 passer rating from quarterback Bryce Young in the Panthers’ 47-10 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.

In the season opener for both teams, the Saints scored on the first nine possessions they had the ball. Young was picked on his first pass of the season. The Panthers didn’t get in the end zone until Young took off for a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

“Honestly, it’s on the coaching staff. It’s on us. We sat there like we were sitting ducks,” Canales said. “We didn’t do enough to give our guys simpler solutions in some of those.”

Canales said the Saints “gave us issues with what they did” and could recall only one instance where Young was responsible for pressure when he could have flipped protection.

“We got outcoached in that regard. I take that personally,” Canales said.

From the time he was hired to leave the post as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers, Canales preached the importance of establishing the running game to take pressure off of Young. He said the game plan included a heavy dose of their ground game, but New Orleans forced the Panthers out of it. Carolina gained 58 yards on 20 total carries with a long gain of eight yards.

“Emphasis was there,” Canales said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted.”

Young was 13 of 30 (43.3 percent) for 161 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked four times in a game the Saints led 30-3 at halftime.

“From a footwork standpoint, I thought it was a solid day,” Canales said. “I think he missed a couple of throws. I think he’s learning some of his guys. … I also have to give the Saints credit for covering us really well. They made it hard. They forced accurate throws. That’s something we have to make sure we cash in on when we have the opportunities.”

Carolina’s next opportunity is Week 2 in the home opener. The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) travel to Charlotte with a potent pass rush led by edge defenders Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The Chargers had four sacks and an interception in a 22-10 home win against the Raiders to open the regular season.

–Field Level Media