Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson thinks Bryce Young has the right stuff to lead the Carolina Panthers for years. The Super Bowl champion saw how Young acted when he got benched in 2024 and did not quit. He kept high-fiving teammates in the locker room instead of making excuses. Wilson told NFL on CBS that this moment showed the true character of the young quarterback. He believes that kind of heart is exactly what a franchise needs to win.
Young’s Toughness Shines Through
Wilson loves how Young plays with grit despite his smaller size. He noted that the quarterback throws with precision and confidence even when the game gets messy. This attitude helped Young lead the team to a 25-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Panthers are now 3-2 and sitting pretty in the NFC South. Wilson said Young has stepped up in an amazing way ever since he earned his spot back. That resilience is rare for a first overall pick who faced so much doubt.
Former NFL player Leger Douzable agrees that Young belongs in the top tier of the league. He called Young a huge fan favorite and said the team needs to pay him soon. Douzable told Yahoo Sports that waiting will only make the price tag go up. He believes the market for quarterbacks is already pushing toward $55 million per year. If Young keeps this up, the number could jump to $60 million or more. Douzable said the smart move is to pay him now before the value rises again.
The Numbers Back The Take
Young is putting up stats that rival the all-time greats like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. He has thrown for 1,549 yards and 11 touchdowns in just five games this season. That touchdown total is a new franchise record for the Panthers through their first five games. Even Cam Newton did not reach that mark during his MVP season. Young also has only two interceptions, which shows he is taking care of the ball. His fifth-year option is worth $25.9 million, but an extension looks likely after this performance.
The offense is clicking because the team is learning to finish drives with power. Coach Dave Canales praised the physical nature of the way they finished the game against the Eagles. He said it was a dream come true to see the team run with that kind of physicality. Running back Chuba Hubbard led the charge with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown. Canales said Hubbard is running the ball really well right now. The team is averaging 29.2 points per game, which ranks fourth in the entire NFL.
The Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The Bucs are struggling at 1-5, so Carolina has a chance to build on this momentum. The team has a 1 1/2-game lead in the division and is looking to defend their title.
