Panthers re-sign Andy Dalton to continue as Bryce Young’s mentor

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Quarterback Andy Dalton re-signed with the Carolina Panthers to continue as Bryce Young's backup and mentor.

Walking off the field following a failed Week 2 possession, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looked dejected, his shoulders slumped and head down. On the sideline, backup Andy Dalton waited patiently to offer advice.

During their 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Young completed 18 passes for only 84 yards. He was hesitant in the pocket and displayed little confidence to throw downfield. Twenty-four hours after the Panthers fell to 0-2, coach Dave Canales benched Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick.  

In his first two starts, Young compiled just 245 combined passing yards. After each failed possession, Dalton consistently stayed by his side, reviewing plays, talking technique and discussing strategy.   
Over the past two seasons, they forged a unique bond.

“They trust each other,” wide receiver Adam Thielen said.  

The Panthers obviously trust in the relationship, too. Before Dalton, 37, could enter free agency on March 12, the sides agreed Tuesday on a 2-year contract. The base salary is $8 million, with $6 million guaranteed. The deal maxes out at $10 million.

Young, who emerged from the benching five weeks later to revitalize his career, credited Dalton for his second-half resurgence. During the season’s final nine games, Young registered an 86.4 grade from weeks 10-18, compared to the opening nine weeks in which he graded out at 51.5, according to PFF.com.

“Me and Andy are super close,” Young said. “From when I first got here, just being able to talk with him through things, him having perspective on a situation that I had never been a part of, I was always leaning on him, always having conversations and just from a day-to-day basis.”

In nine appearances (six starts) with the Panthers, Dalton collected 1,350 passing yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. The 14-year veteran has compiled 39,500 career yards with 253 TDs and 150 interceptions.
When Dalton took over for Young on Sept. 16, their teammates noticed how both handled their new responsibilities.  

“It was a tough situation for all of us, the adversity,” running back Chuba Hubbard said. “But Andy’s a vet. He knows how to handle it.”

Drafted in the same class as Young, wide receiver Jonathan Mingo added: “Andy’s more of a big brother to Bryce.” 

By retaining Dalton, the Panthers elected to maintain a family feel in the quarterback room.

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