The Carolina Panthers have officially extended quarterback Andy Dalton’s contract on Tuesday, signing him to a two-year deal. This move provides a reliable veteran backup to Bryce Young, the team’s starting quarterback, as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.

Dalton, now 37 years old, had a total of 989 passing yards along with seven touchdowns and six interceptions across five starts during the previous season. As Dalton was approaching unrestricted free agency next month, his re-signing allows the Panthers to maintain a steady hand behind their young quarterback. After joining the team in 2023, Dalton primarily took on the backup role for Young, who was the first overall pick that year.

The veteran quarterback was unexpectedly called into action in Week 3 of the last season after Young was benched by new head coach Dave Canales, following a disappointing 0-2 start with the team being outscored 73 to 13. Canales believed Dalton could provide a better opportunity for victories at the time.

Dalton’s initial opportunity saw him throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in a successful first start, leading the Panthers to a 36-22 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he struggled in the following four games before being sidelined due to a sprained thumb, which he sustained in an automobile accident in Charlotte.

Young reclaimed the starting position after Dalton’s injury and showed notable progress as the season went on. After a tough loss against Denver, Young led the team to two consecutive wins, improving his performance throughout the latter part of the season. He concluded with a 4-6 record as a starter, culminating in a standout performance in the final game where he threw for 251 yards and achieved a career-high five touchdowns during a thrilling 44-38 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons. This performance solidified his role as Carolina’s starting QB for the future.

In his extensive NFL career, Dalton has amassed impressive statistics, including 39,500 passing yards, 253 touchdowns, and 150 interceptions. Initially drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, he has played for five different teams over his fourteen-year career and has been named to the Pro Bowl on three occasions.