One of the first orders of business for the Carolina Panthers this offseason was to re-sign Andy Dalton to a two-year contract. The 37-year-old quarterback who has been Bryce Young's backup for the last two seasons will be a Panther for two more years after his $8 million extension.
One of the biggest reasons the Panthers kept Dalton around was his relationship with Bryce Young. The organization obviously favored continuity and Dalton proved why they were right to do so in his first comments after the extension.
Andy brought the whole family to make it official pic.twitter.com/wNuUOZYkx2
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 18, 2025
Andy Dalton Reveals His Excitement to Be a Panther for 2 More Seasons
In his remarks, Dalton said this is the earliest he has ever re-signed with a team, underlying how strongly he feels about his decision. The veteran signal-caller said he wants to be a part of this rebuild in Carolina.
"I think the trajectory of this team is trending in the right direction, and you want to be a part of it. From when it wasn't as easy to win games and to see where it's going to go and to feel where it's going to go. The right people are here, and they're going to keep adding to it, so it's something that I didn't want to just be part of at the beginning of it and then be away and then see the success and see where it goes. "Andy Dalton
Dalton first signed with the Panthers in the 2023 offseason. Since then, he started in six games, going 1-5 in those starts. As a Panther, he has 1,350 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions. He was briefly named the starter early in the 2024 season after Young's slow start to the year.
After suffering a minor thumb injury, Dalton lost the starting role to Young, who didn't relinquish it until the end of the season. Barring a major surprise or an unfortunate injury, Dalton should firmly be the QB2 in Carolina going forward.