The Carolina Panthers signed Andy Dalton as a mentor, backup and safety net for whichever quarterback they would select one month later at No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft.

That quarterback turned out to be Alabama All-American Bryce Young, and after spending two seasons side-by-side on the Carolina depth chart, Dalton has signed for another two seasons, the NFL team announced on Tuesday.

At the end of his second season, Young was asked if he hoped Dalton would return to the Panthers rather than enter free agency on March 12.

“That one’s definitely above my pre-grade, but I 100 percent hope he’s around again,” Young said. “We’re super close. I love having him around. Someone who’s been super helpful since I’ve stepped foot in the NFL, again on and off the field. I’m super grateful that he’s been part of the room. I genuinely, I definitely hope he’s still here. Again, those definitely aren’t my decisions, but, yeah, I’ve always loved being his teammate.”

ESPN reported Dalton signed a two-year, $8 million contract that included $6 million in guaranteed money.

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Dalton started one game in 2023 when an ankle injury sidelined Young. But in 2024, Dalton started five games when Carolina benched Young two weeks into the season, and Young returned to the lineup only because Dalton sustained a thumb injury during a traffic accident.

In his second stint as a starter, Young’s improved play helped the Panthers win four of their final nine games after they had won one of their first eight in 2024, and Carolina is moving ahead with Young as its No. 1 QB.

The 2025 season will be Dalton’s 15th. He was a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2011 and again in 2014 and 2016. Dalton ranks 26th in NFL history in career passing yards and touchdown passes.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.