The Panthers and backup quarterback Andy Dalton have reached agreement on a two-year contract to keep him in Carolina.
The Panthers announced the deal on Tuesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that it’s valued at $8 million with $6 million in guaranteed money and could escalate to $10 million. The contract escalators weren’t initially reported.
Dalton has played for Carolina as the backup to Bryce Young for two seasons, a stint that includes six starts. A former Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton will enter his 15th NFL season in the fall at 37 years old.
Dalton started five games in 2024 after Young was benched early in the season for poor performance. Young returned to the starting lineup in Week 8 and produced a strong finish to the season that provided hope in Carolina that Young could live up to the potential that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young finished the season completing 60.9% of his passes for 2,403 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 14 games, including 12 starts. He added 249 yards on 5.8 yards per carry and six rushing touchdowns. He’ll enter the fall as the unquestioned starting quarterback after his future in Carolina was in peril just weeks into his second NFL season.
In Dalton, the Panthers have a reliable backup quarterback and an experienced veteran to work with Young as Young continues to develop.
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