Carolina Panthers and Andy Dalton: A New Chapter Begins
Feb 18, 2025, 04:11 PM ET
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Carolina Panthers have decided to keep veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in the fold for another two years. The agreement, which was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a max value of $10 million. This news comes just in time, as Dalton was set to become an unrestricted free agent next month.
For those who have been following the Panthers closely, this move might not come as a complete surprise. Dalton has developed a strong rapport with the Panthers’ starting quarterback, Bryce Young. The two have been working together since Dalton signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Panthers in 2023, a move that was primarily aimed at helping develop Young, who was the top pick of the 2023 draft.
Dalton’s journey with the Panthers has been quite eventful. He stepped up as the starter in Week 3 of the past season after Young was benched due to poor performance during an 0-2 start, following a challenging 2-14 rookie season. Dalton made an immediate impact, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his first start, leading the Panthers to a 36-22 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.
However, the road wasn’t entirely smooth. Despite the initial success, Dalton and the Panthers faced a rough patch, losing the next four games. His stint as the starter was cut short due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand, sustained in a multicar accident just before a Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos. This unfortunate incident opened the door for Young to reclaim his starting position. After a loss to the Broncos, Young led the Panthers to consecutive wins and showed significant improvement as the season progressed.
Dalton’s stats for the season included 989 yards passing, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a completion rate of 66.3% of his passing attempts. These numbers reflect his experience and ability to perform under pressure, even if the season didn’t go entirely as planned.
Looking back at Dalton’s career, it’s clear why the Panthers value his presence. A second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2011 draft, Dalton has amassed 39,500 yards with 253 touchdowns and 150 interceptions over 14 seasons. His career includes three Pro Bowl selections, underscoring his talent and consistency as a quarterback.
For Panthers fans, the decision to retain Dalton is a strategic one. It not only provides a safety net in case of injuries or performance issues but also ensures that Young continues to have a seasoned mentor by his side. The chemistry between Dalton and Young is evident, and the Panthers are banking on this dynamic duo to lead the team to greater heights in the upcoming seasons.
- Andy Dalton’s new deal: 2 years, $8 million
- Includes $6 million guaranteed
- Max value of $10 million
- Dalton’s career stats: 39,500 yards, 253 touchdowns, 150 interceptions
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection
As the Panthers gear up for the next season, all eyes will be on how Dalton and Young continue to develop their partnership. Will this be the year the Panthers turn things around and make a significant playoff push? Only time will tell, but with Dalton’s experience and Young’s potential, the future looks promising for Carolina.
Originally Written by: ESPN
