Despite Bryce Young having a great comeback season after being benched, the Carolina Panthers made news by signing their veteran backup to a two-year deal.
The Panthers reportedly signed backup Andy Dalton to a two-year, $8 million extension.
Why Did the Panthers Re-Sign Andy Dalton?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the Dalton deal, saying, “Panthers and Andy Dalton reached agreement on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a max value of $10 million, per source. Panthers QB Bryce Young has developed a close relationship with Dalton, and now the two continue to get to work together.”
Panthers and Andy Dalton reached agreement on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a max value of $10 million, per source. Panthers QB Bryce Young has developed a close relationship with Dalton, and now the two continue to get to work together. pic.twitter.com/dAT56TXmFt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2025
Dalton stepped in for Young when he was benched and threw for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions before he was replaced by Young again. Dalton is an insurance policy for the Panthers in case Young struggles again or is injured.
After struggling to start the season, Young bounced back with an impressive finish. He finished the season with over 2,400 yards passing and 15 touchdowns and finished 28th in PFSN’s QB+ metric with a D. However, his stats at the end of the year mainly had him at a C, with his highest mark of the year being a B in Week 18 against Atlanta, which Carolina knocked out of the playoffs.
Young’s benching was the best thing that happened to the quarterback because he improved as the season went on.
“He’s always asking me stuff,” Young said about Carolina general manager Dan Morgan during a Super Bowl week appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams.”
The Panthers now have more confidence in their young QB than ever and say he is their guy. He appreciates the organization’s confidence in him, and he says they are even coming to him now to get his thoughts on decisions the team is making. One has to wonder if one of those decisions was re-signing Dalton.
“He wants me to send him things and give him my opinion, which I’m super grateful for him having that open mind, having an open line of communication, wanting to include me in things. That means a lot. That goes a long way for me,” Young said.
“Just knowing how to operate, how to move forward, just getting that bolt of confidence from the organization, from everyone, I’m super grateful for that. And then it’s just time to parlay that into success, of course, just as a team.”
Dalton and Young have developed a nice relationship, and it’s clear that he and the organization want to continue that.
“I’m super excited because we all understand the work that it’s going to take, and we’re all excited for that. We all have that attitude of just wanting to get better throughout the offseason for next year, wanting to build and continue to grow. And I’m all in. Everyone’s all in. I’m grateful to just get back to work and continue building.”