Andy Dalton re-signing with Panthers is all about helping Bryce Young take next step

Andy Dalton created a solid relationship with fellow quarterback Bryce Young while playing for the Carolina Panthers.

Andy Dalton re-signing with Panthers is all about helping Bryce Young take next step

Carolina Panthers re-sign Andy Dalton to back up Bryce Young (Image via Imago/X)

The Carolina Panthers have a unique situation at quarterback. On one hand, Bryce Young has wrestled back his starting job after losing it early to Andy Dalton. Since then, the team improved on their previous season record, setting them up for a brighter future.

That future though, needs Young to be stable. He needs a veteran who can continue to mentor him and at the same time, back him up if the need arises. There are several options available in the backup quarterback market.

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The likes of Jameis Winston, Joe Flacco etc. all reek of QBs who can help the team win some games. As the Panthers look towards building on their last season’s momentum, they made a crucial decision as revealed by ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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 reported via X

This decision might not send alarm bells ringing, but it does give the franchise some stability. There was a time when the 37-year-old was part of winning teams and went to the playoffs in four straight seasons. As the team looks towards that goal, his experience will be handy.

Andy Dalton will help Bryce Young take the next step

That experience will also help Bryce Young. Ever since the Alabama star came into the league, he has faced constant criticism amidst a horrible rookie season. Dalton was there when the rookie was facing all that heat.

Bryce Young has a good relationship with Andy Dalton
Bryce Young has a good relationship with Andy Dalton (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Then in his sophomore season, Dalton took his starting QB job as he struggled mightily in the first two games. But the veteran did not fare any better other than his first game as a starter. However, a car accident would help turn the tables as Young stepped back into the starting signal caller role.

He did lose that game but then led his team to back-to-back wins. Those wins were against bottom rung teams, but at least they did not lose those as was customary in his first season. They did lose the next four game, but the development was evident.

Young nearly caused an upset against the Kansas City Chiefs. They would have lost their second straight game after opening with an unbeaten nine-game winning streak. In that three-game stretch against playoff teams, Young managed to keep his team within a score of their opponents.

Then came two famous wins against the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons and it seemed as if the QB had turned a corner. The Carolina Panthers do not want to upset his stability, therefore keeping Andy Dalton, who Bryce Young has a good relationship with, was important.

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