Andy Dalton and Bryce Young shared quarterback responsibilities last season as the Carolina Panthers suffered a heartbreaking year. Despite this, Dalton signed a two-year extension worth $8 million.
The veteran QB opened up on the reasons behind this contract renewal and the positive signs he sees for the franchise.
Andy Dalton’s Extension Has Much To Do With Bryce Young’s Talent
The Panthers ended the season with a 5-12 record but also had a ton of positives during their season. The chief among them was Young returning to his best and leading the team to two victories in the season’s final three weeks.
This resurgence led to head coach Dave Canales firmly declaring Young to be their starting quarterback in 2025. In a recent interview, Dalton also credited Young’s skills and talents, aligned with the 23-year-old’s performances, as a great motivator for him to sign a new deal.
“I think the trajectory of this team is trending in the right direction, and you want to be a part of it,” Dalton said. “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. But now I want to be part of the whole building of this thing.”
A Former Panthers HC Is in Awe of Young’s Development
Ron Rivera is considered one of the greatest head coaches in the Panthers’ history. He led the team from 2011 to 2019. The 63-year-old sees a great future ahead of Young. In an interview with The Athletic, Rivera highlighted Young’s approach after being benched as one of the defining characteristics of a great player.
“What was impressive about it was while he [Young] was sitting back as the backup, he really stayed engaged, it looked like. He stayed involved with the team. He didn’t go sulk.”
“And I thought that was a very important thing. I’ve really gotta give him credit for keeping himself engaged. When he got his opportunity again, he showed (out).”