Bryce Young Breaks Into NFL Top 100 at No. 98

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was announced as No. 98 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, the first time the former No. 1 overall pick has appeared on the list. The ranking, compiled from votes cast by current NFL players, was released by NFL.com in early June 2026 and places Young ahead of veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan and guard Quenton Nelson, while trailing Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Charlotte ObserverBleacher ReportUSA TodayDoes Bryce Young Actually Belong in the NFL's Top 100 Players List?League-wide respect for QB Bryce Young confirms the Panthers are right to have strong feelings for their former first overall pickFormer Alabama QB Bryce Young Makes NFL Top 100 Debut After Third Season

Young posted career highs in 2025: 3,011 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, a 63.6 % completion rate and an 87.8 passer rating. He led the Panthers to an 8-9 record, the franchise’s first NFC South title since 2015 and its first playoff appearance since 2017. In the wild-card round, Young completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception (passer rating 71.2). His deep-pass performance was notable: 41 attempts of >20 yards resulted in 20 completions for 587 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, earning a Pro Football Focus “deep passing grade” of 99.2—second among all regular-starting quarterbacks, behind only MVP Matthew Stafford.

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Young entered the league as the 2023 first-overall selection after winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy and multiple national awards at Alabama. After a rookie season marked by limited starts, he became the Panthers’ full-time starter in 2024 under head coach Dave Canales. The 2025 campaign marked his third NFL year and his first playoff run, solidifying his reputation among peers.

Former Alabama QB Bryce Young Makes NFL Top 100 Debut After Third Season

The Top 100 list reflects player-to-player voting, underscoring league-wide respect for Young’s development. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan confirmed that the organization has discussed a contract extension but will present a formal offer “at the right time,” after exercising Young’s fifth-year option worth $25.9 million for the 2027 season. The team’s public stance emphasizes continued evaluation of performance before committing to a long-term deal.

League-wide respect for QB Bryce Young confirms the Panthers are right to have strong feelings for their former first overall pick

Analysts have questioned whether the ranking is premature. Athlon Sports noted the list’s “year-ahead” nature, suggesting Young’s inclusion may outpace his overall body of work. Bleacher Report highlighted the risk of a long-term contract, given Young’s limited experience and the Panthers’ 8-9 record despite the playoff berth.

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• “I mean, I'm grateful for it, but I can't let that be a motivating factor for me,” — Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback

USA Today

• “His biggest thing – he’s always calm and collected,” — Kam Curl, Los Angeles Rams safety

League-wide respect for QB Bryce Young confirms the Panthers are right to have strong feelings for their former first overall pick

• “He really does a good job of stepping up and making some of those clutch throws,” — Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints quarterback

League-wide respect for QB Bryce Young confirms the Panthers are right to have strong feelings for their former first overall pick

• “2, second among all regular starting quarterbacks in the NFL last year, only behind NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.” — Pro Football Focus

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The Panthers are expected to finalize Young’s contract status before the 2026 free-agency period, with the possibility of a multi-year extension contingent on continued performance. The remaining Top 100 rankings will be released throughout the summer, potentially influencing league perception ahead of the 2026 season.

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