Carolina Panthers demonstrate their commitment to Bryce Young by exercising his fifth-year option—what does this imply for the franchise’s future under General Manager Dan Morgan? Julian Council discusses this bold move, highlighting Young’s moments of brilliance, the team’s youth-driven inconsistencies, and why a long-term extension is still on hold. With Bryce set to earn $32.4 million over the next two seasons, the focus shifts to how Carolina’s draft and free agency strategies aim to unlock the young quarterback’s potential.

Additional segments cover key offseason storylines, including the surprising extension of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero despite a historically weak defensive year. Dan Morgan stresses patience and continuity as the Panthers look to improve their defense and find stability in their coaching staff. Will investing in their core and nurturing youth development help Carolina return to the top of the NFC South?

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Carolina Panthers shock fans by extending defensive coordinator Ejero Evero’s contract through 2027, sparking renewed debate about the team’s defensive future. Will Dave Canales’ unwavering trust in Evero pay off despite three seasons as one of the NFL’s worst defenses? Defensive stats improve, yet pressure and sack totals still lag. With fan frustration mounting, can Evero steer the Panthers back to elite status, or is time running out?

Julian Council breaks down the key offseason storylines, including Ikem Ekwonu’s serious knee injury and the upcoming search for a replacement left tackle. The show highlights Jonathan Brooks’ return timeline, Rico Dowdle’s uncertain future, and whether Bryce Young can take the next step as continuity grows between him and Canales. With a daunting first-place schedule and tough roster decisions looming, are the playoff-hungry Panthers built to meet their new standards?

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

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Ultimate QB

Ultimate QB is totally free to play, has no ads, and works 100% offline — perfect for when you want to sneak in a quick game or two on the go. Just head over to http://ULTIMATE-QB.COM.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in Playoff Mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Visit Fanduel.com to get started.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

Robinhood

Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnfl.

Gusto

Try Gusto today at http://gusto.com/lockedonNFL and get three months free when you run your first payroll.

Home Chef

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Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In just over two weeks, the Carolina Panthers will draft what they hope to be their next franchise quarterback. But does that role involve more than just the on-field aspect? For a time, Cam Newton was the embodiment of Charlotte, NC, and the face of the city. Is there a prospect that could fulfill that same role that Newton played? Julian Council answers that among other listener questions in this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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