The Panthers have more than one contract decision hanging over the next stretch, and training camp next week could help sort out at least a few of them. Some of these calls are bigger than others, with Bryce Young’s future sitting near the top of the list. But he’s not the only player with something to prove.
Mike Jackson has already turned heads with a career year, and another strong run would put him in line for a real payday. The Panthers also drafted Will Lee, which makes a new deal less likely, but if Jackson keeps producing, Carolina may not have much of a choice. He’s older and doesn’t have a huge body of work, yet a three-year, $54 million contract would work for both sides.
Young is in a different spot. He isn’t set to hit free agency after this season, but he is clearly playing for an extension.
If he doesn’t do enough this year, that deal could be pushed back, though he still looks likely to get one by this time next year. The exact number depends on how much he grows.
If he takes a big step, a four-year, $170 million contract would fit. If the progress is more modest, three years and $90 million would be the range.
Left tackle brings another tricky situation. The Panthers view Monroe Freeling as the future there, while Ikem Ekwonu is injured and Rasheed Walker is heading toward free agency this season.
Walker can help himself with his play, and if he wins the job and holds it, an extension would make sense. Whether Carolina wants to commit or stay locked in on Freeling is the real question.
A three-year, $42 million deal for Walker would not be a surprise.
Damien Lewis is also eligible for an extension now, and it would not be shocking if the Panthers moved quickly. He has been a steady presence on the left side of the offensive line, and losing him would hurt.
He’s still not especially old, which gives Carolina reason to keep him around longer. He doesn’t need a massive leap to earn a new deal, but solid play could land him a two-year, $30 million extension.
In Other News...
Panthers Defense Still Has One Worry Fans Can't Ignore
With rookies set to report July 21 and veterans following July 22, the Panthers are heading into training camp with a defense that looks more complete on paper than it did a year ago. Carolina added linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips this offseason, and there is at least some evidence the unit is moving in the right direction after cutting down the damage through the air from 2024 to 2025.
Still, CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards pointed to the secondary as the spot that could keep this group from feeling finished. Cornerbacks Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn have given Carolina strong play, and the front office tried to reinforce the back end in April by drafting Will Lee III and safety Zakee Wheatley, but the Panthers may still be shopping for more help at corner or safety before they can feel fully settled there. [Read more 🡒]