Andy Dalton was around for the Carolina Panthers' struggles. He hopes to be in town when things turn around.
Inking a two-year deal this week to back up Bryce Young, Dalton sees positive trends with the club under coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan.
"I think the trajectory of this team is trending in the right direction, and you want to be a part of it," Dalton said, via the team's official website. "From when it wasn't as easy to win games and to see where it's going to go and to feel where it's going to go. The right people are here, and they're going to keep adding to it, so it's something that I didn't want to just be part of at the beginning of it and then be away and then see the success and see where it goes. But now I want to be part of the whole building of this thing."
Dalton started five games early in 2024 after Young was benched for performance issues. However, the veteran suffered an injury in a car crash that thrust Young back into the lineup. The youngster never let go of the reins.
Young and the offense taking a significant step forward to close the season provides optimism that the Panthers offense can continue to grow in 2025. The key for Carolina to push northward in the NFC South will be completely overhauling a porous defense.
Getting Dalton locked down early ensures that Young's backup and mentor will remain in the former No. 1 overall pick's ear for the next couple of years.
"I've had a lot of conversations with the organization, with Dan, with so many people up there, and even in the middle of the season, it was like we want to be back; we want to be part of this," Dalton added. "And it felt the same from them. And with all that, it's like, I'm glad the timing worked out. This is the first time I've ever, ever been re-signed this early in free agency because normally, I've been searching for a new team. But I'm just glad it all got done, and I'm glad it happened early and don't have to worry about anything going into free agency, right?"
And the Panthers don't have to worry about ensuring there is a veteran voice for Young.
