Young projects top-15 QB with continued TD growth, second-half breakout, and upgraded weapons.

Jeff Haseley projects Young could crack the top 15 QB in 2026 if his touchdown trend continues and the Panthers' passing game becomes more aggressive. Young increased touchdown passes from 15 in 2024 to 23 in 2025, and has 8 rushing touchdowns in the last two years. Ryan Weisse notes Young posted career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and passer rating in 2025 under Dave Canales, with full-year chemistry established with Tetairoa McMillan and the addition of rookie Chris Brazzell II expected to continue the upward trajectory. Jeff Bell highlights Young's second-half breakout as a sleeper profile: QB27 in first half (Weeks 1-10) but QB11 from Week 11 onward, with completion percentage jumping from 61.7% to 66%, yards per game from 168.2 to 213.9, and 17-game TD rate from 20.8 to 29.1; he also doubled rushing from 9 to 18 yards per game and carried this improvement to the playoffs. With improved offensive line, deeper routes developing downfield under new coordinator Brad Idzik, and an upgraded receiving corps, Young's weekly floor and overall fantasy ceiling should continue to rise in 2026. Andy Hicks notes the Panthers are fully committed to Young with backup Andy Dalton no longer on the roster, and Young has finished as a high-end QB2 in each of the last two seasons, largely driven by breakout performances including a 448-yard, three-touchdown outing against the Falcons.