Bob Donlan - Imagn Images
Early on last year, nobody would’ve argued against Carolina Panthers Quarterback Bryce Young being a colossal bust. The 2023 first-overall pick was mediocre at best in 2023, and started the year as arguably the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2024.
But, once he got the starting job back midseason after Andy Dalton was injured, he played much better, giving the franchise hope that he could be their long-term franchise quarterback. On Tuesday, the team signaled just how much they think Andy Dalton’s mentoring mattered for Bryce Young when they locked up Andy Dalton to a contract.
Dalton filled in admirably last season after Young was benched after Week 2. The Panthers were a laughingstock, and he stabilized things a bit, even if the win-loss record doesn’t show it. It allowed Bryce Young to sit, watch, and take some pressure off of his shoulders and take a step back.
And, after Dalton was injured and Bryce Young entered back into the starting lineup, he looked like a much different quarterback. Young wasn’t elite by any means, but he looked like a guy that could develop into a starting quarterback in the future. Head Coach and noted QB whisperer Dave Canales is responsible for a lot of that. But, Andy Dalton was a calming veteran presence in the quarterback room, as well.
The Panthers acknowledged Dalton’s value, signing the veteran to a lucrative deal to back up Young again this year.
“Panthers and Andy Dalton reached agreement on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a max value of $10 million, per source. Panthers QB Bryce Young has developed a close relationship with Dalton, and now the two continue to get to work together,” Adam Schefter said.
This seems like a really smart move for Carolina, and it seems likely that the Red Rifle will retire a Panther.