Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers agree on two-year contract

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers have agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $10 million. Dalton just wrapped up his second campaign with Carolina, playing in six games and starting five of them during the 2025 season.

Bryce Young is set to be the starting quarterback moving forward but having a quality backup is important in the NFL. Dalton provides some stability to the room if anything were to happen to Young.

“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,” Schefter said via X. “Panthers QB Bryce Young has developed a close relationship with Dalton, and now the two continue to get to work together.”

Dalton has been in the league for 15 years now, dating back to when he was the No. 35 overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. Dallas, Chicago, and New Orleans have also been considered home for Dalton, at least for a season.

A massive milestone is not too far away as Dalton currently has 39,500 career passing yards to his name. That’s good enough for 26th all-time, currently sitting behind Johnny Unitas. Dalton is expected to serve as the Carolina backup and might be one of the best out there.

Carolina Panthers rolling with Bryce Young as starting quarterback over Andy Dalton

Carolina made the decision to bench Young early in the season, going with Dalton as the starter for five weeks. Those games did not yield a ton of success, though. Dalton threw for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions while the Panthers finished with a 1-4 record.

But the decision to move back to Young was not a coaching one. A car accident meant Dalton battled through an injury and took some time off from practice. Eventually deemed healthy enough to get back in a game, Young started to play well enough to keep the job.

“He’s getting in and out of the huddle better,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said in early January. “He is diagnosing defenses better. And simply, he is playing better as far as the future goes. From what I understand, do not expect the Carolina Panthers to draft a quarterback early next year. It does seem if Bryce Young [continues] to progress as he’s been, that he has earned the opportunity to be their starter next year.”