Panthers' Bryce Young dishes on fourth play-caller in four NFL seasons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has heard a lot of NFL voices in his head.

As an overwhelmed rookie, Young initially listened to former coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator/interim coach Thomas Brown. Both served as playcallers during an uncomfortable 2-15 campaign. lowlighted by Young absorbing 62 sacks in 16 starts.

The past two seasons, coach Dave Canales called the plays, initially focusing on establishing the run through a short, quick passing attack. Last season, though, Young proved he could effectively throw the ball downfield and the second-year coach started deploying receiving routes outside the hash marks.

On 20-plus yard throws, Young ranked first in passing grade (99.7 percent) and big-time throw rate (38.9 percent), according to PFF.

Entering 2026, Young remains secure with a fifth season and the prospect of long-term contract extensions, likely in the $50 million-per-year range.

Panthers' Bryce Young listening to OC Brad Idzik

With the 2026 NFL Draft set to kick off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Young, who lobbied for Panthers GM Dan Morgan to draft rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 overall last April, remains optimistic he can build off last season's second half.

Leading the 8-9 Panthers to the NFC South division title, Young threw for a career-best 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns. 

Outside of calling plays during preseason games, Idzik does not have NFL experience in that role. Young's not concerned.

"I'm excited," he said during Tuesday's teleconference. "I have all the confidence in the world in Brad. He's been huge for us during the whole staff's time here.

"Honestly, when you get a new play-caller, you kinda never know. When it's live and the balls are flying, you don't know what to expect. I think I'm excited for that. I'm excited to see what his spin is, what his personal thumbprint on the game's gonna be, how he calls it."

What his voice sounds like in his head.