Panthers re-sign veteran QB Andy Dalton to a 2-year contract to back up Bryce Young
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers re-signed quarterback Andy Dalton on Tuesday to a two-year contract, giving them a veteran presence behind starter Bryce Young heading into the 2025 season.
The 37-year-old Dalton, who threw for 989 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions in five starts last season, was set to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Dalton joined the Panthers in 2023 and spent the past two seasons mainly backing up Young, the No. 1 overall pick that year.
However, Dalton was thrust into a starting role in Week 3 last season when first-year head coach Dave Canales benched Young after the Panthers started 0-2 and were outscored 73-13. Canales said at the time he turned to Dalton because he felt he “gave the Panthers the best chance to win.”
Dalton responded by throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his first start, a 36-22 road win at Las Vegas. However, he lost his next four starts before being sidelined with a sprained thumb following a car crash in Charlotte.
Young regained the starting job and never looked back.
Following a loss to Denver, Young responded with two wins and showed steady improvement the rest of the season.
Young went 4-6 as a starter down the stretch for Carolina and finally appeared to figure things out in Week 18 when he threw for 251 yards and combined for a career-high five touchdowns in a 44-38 overtime road win against the Atlanta Falcons, cementing his role as a starter heading into the next season.
Dalton has thrown for 39,500 yards with 253 touchdowns and 150 interceptions during his NFL career. A second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, Dalton has played for five teams during his 14-year career and been selected to the Pro Bowl three times. ___
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By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
