The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a familiar face in their quarterback room. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Panthers have agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. This contract includes $6 million guaranteed and has the potential to reach a maximum value of $10 million.
Dalton’s return is partly due to his close relationship with starting quarterback Bryce Young. The veteran player is well known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made three Pro Bowl appearances and led his team to five playoff berths. Last season, Dalton stepped in as the starter for the Panthers while Young was sidelined, starting five games where he completed 66.3 percent of his passes, throwing for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Young returned to the starting lineup following an injury Dalton suffered in a car accident, significantly improving his performance. Young ended the 2024 season strong, accounting for 10 total touchdowns and notably no interceptions in the final three games, leading the Panthers to two wins over NFC rivals, the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons. According to head coach Dave Canales, Young’s strong finish has solidified his status as the team’s starting quarterback heading into the upcoming season.
The 2025 season is set to be crucial for Young as he aims to guide the Panthers to their first winner’s record since 2017. Having Dalton back in the quarterback room will provide Young with a valuable mentor as he continues to develop in the league. The Panthers are clearly focused on maintaining a sense of continuity in a position that has seen its share of challenges in recent years.
