QB Andy Dalton back with Panthers on 2-year deal

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, a pending unrestricted free agent, agreed to a new two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.

Dalton, 37, figures to remain the backup to Bryce Young after a hectic 2024 season that saw Young’s starting role given to Dalton after two weeks, only for Young to perform well as the starter when Dalton was injured in a November car accident.

The Panthers did not disclose financial terms, but ESPN reported that Dalton’s contract is worth $8 million, with $6 million of it guaranteed and a maximum value of $10 million.

Dalton has been a journeyman backup and starter since the Cincinnati Bengals moved on from him after the 2019 season. He played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, the Chicago Bears in 2021 and the New Orleans Saints in 2022 before joining Carolina.

Dalton threw for 989 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions in six games (five starts) for the Panthers in 2024. In 175 career games (168 starts), he has amassed 39,500 yards, 253 touchdowns and 150 picks, with a 62.6 completion percentage.