​Can Panthers QB Bryce Young continue producing at ‘MVP’ level? originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As Bryce Young entered the home locker room, the Carolina Panthers quarterback was greeted with chants of “MVP … MVP … MVP …” by his teammates.Veteran tight end Darren Waller mockingly bowed repeatedly as Young walked by, high-fiving and hugging all within arm’s length. Minutes earlier, Young guided the Panthers to a 32-26 upset over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. The primetime victory celebration paid homage to the crowd, which twice broke out in “MVP … MVP … MVP …” screams directed at the traditionally slow-starting signal caller.This season has been different for the 2023 first-overall draft pick, opening his NFL career with a 2-16 record before his much-publicized, half-season benching.Oft-criticized early in his career for his size and inability to produce big plays, Young, despite playing with an injured knee Sunday night, completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns at Bank of America Stadium. He appears to finally be winning over the fan base. With the “Bryce haters” becoming muted, does Panthers general manager Dan Morgan have any choice but to treat Young as a top-10 quarterback and open long-term contract negotiations?With teammates and fans chanting “MVP … MVP … MVP,” Young’s agents could open talks in a strong bargaining position.Panthers QB Bryce Young enjoying NFL breakoutAfter announcing last offseason that team officials would wait until after the 2026 season to determine Young’s future, the play of the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner could be altering Morgan’s timetable in real time?Dating back to 2025, Young has collected six straight starts with at least 250 passing yards with a touchdown and one or fewer interceptions, a franchise record.With the defending NFC South-champion Panthers (2-2) entering a Week 5 bye, Young leads the NFL with 1,268 yards and ranks fifth with a 74.5 quarterback rating.Has Young proven to be a $50-plus million franchise quarterback?With the Panthers appearing on “Sunday Night Football” for the first time since Dec. 4, 2016, Young earned a statement win, capped by a third-and-14 sideline throw to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, which helped seal the upset win. On the play, Young was forced to escape the initial pressure of Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions’ edge defender beat backup tackle Stone Forsythe, flushing Young out of the pocket. On the run, he delivered an 18-yard pass and McMillan athletically planted both feet in bounds. “I knew it right away,” Young said during his post-game press conference. “His feet were clearly in to secure the ball the whole away.”I had no doubt in my mind it was a catch.”MORE: Tetairoa McMillan torches Lions defense for career-best day in ‘SNF’ winWith “MVP … MVP … MVP …” chants echoing at the end of Sunday night’s showcase outing,