The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a new deal with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton ahead of 2025 free agency.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Andy Dalton has signed a two-year contract extension worth $8 million. Of this, $6 million is guaranteed, and the deal has a maximum value of $10 million.
Schefter noted that the 37-year-old Dalton and starting quarterback Bryce Young have formed a strong bond. Dalton has been with the Panthers since 2023, making six starts over that period.
Andy Dalton started one game during the 2023 season in favor of an injured Young. The No. 1 pick of 2023 was benched following a Week 2 blowout defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Dalton wound up starting the club’s next five games.
The three-time Pro Bowler went 1-4 in those starts but was sidelined after suffering a sprained thumb in a car accident. Young was re-inserted as the starter and improved tremendously down the stretch to retain the QB1 job.Over nine total game appearances with the Panthers, Andy Dalton has completed 64.2 percent of his pass attempts for 1,350 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
The 2011 second-round pick spent his first nine seasons (2011 to 2019) with the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to five playoff appearances. Dalton also had one-year stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
Andy Dalton’s Extension Is A Win For All Parties
Andy Dalton hasn’t been a full-time starter since his final year with the Bengals (2019), and he only got extended playing time in Dallas (2020) and New Orleans (2022) because of injuries to Dak Prescott and Jameis Winston, respectively.
Dalton knows that he’s a backup quarterback at this phase of his career, and it makes sense to stay with a team where he’s familiar with the offense. His presence also puts pressure on Young to put it all together in what’s shaping up to be a real make-or-break season.
