CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they have signed quarterback Andy Dalton to a two-year contract, securing a reliable veteran behind their starting quarterback, Bryce Young, as they move into the 2025 season.

At 37 years old, Dalton has experience, having thrown for 989 yards, recording seven touchdowns and six interceptions during five starts last season. With his contract set to expire as he was about to become an unrestricted free agent next month, the Panthers chose to keep him on their roster. Dalton initially joined the Panthers in 2023 and has primarily served in a backup role to Young, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick in that same year.

Dalton found himself in a starting position early in the season when coach Dave Canales opted to bench Young after the team experienced a rough start, losing the first two games while being overwhelmed 73-13 in terms of points. Canales believed that Dalton’s experience would increase the Panthers’ chances of winning, leading to his promotion to the starting role.

In his debut as a starter in Week 3, Dalton threw for an impressive 319 yards along with three touchdowns, aiding the Panthers to a 36-22 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite this encouraging start, Dalton faced a challenging stretch, losing his next four games before being sidelined due to a sprained thumb sustained in a car accident in Charlotte.

Young reclaimed his starting position and showed substantial growth, leading the team to two consecutive victories following a loss to the Denver Broncos. By the end of the season, he posted a 4-6 record as a starter, notably culminating in a standout performance during Week 18, where he threw for 251 yards and achieved a career-high of five total touchdowns in a thrilling 44-38 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons. This victory solidified his role as the starting quarterback moving forward.

Over his 14-year NFL career, Dalton has recorded impressive stats, amassing 39,500 passing yards along with 253 touchdowns and 150 interceptions. Drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, he has played for five different teams and has made three Pro Bowl selections.