The deal contains $6M in absolutely assured cash with a most worth of $10M. Dalton will probably be beneath contract in Carolina by way of the 2026 season and might proceed his mentorship of former No. 1 total choose Bryce Younger, with whom he has a “shut relationship,” based on Schefter.
Each quarterbacks earned reward from inside and with out the Panthers group for a way they dealt with the tumultuous 2024 season. Younger was benched after simply two video games with Dalton beginning Weeks 3 by way of 7. In that span, he accomplished 106 of his 159 passes for 989 yards, seven touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The Panthers went 1-4 with Dalton beneath middle earlier than a car crash sidelined him in Week 8, giving Younger one other alternative to begin. Dalton missed solely one sport, however Younger held onto the beginning gig on a week-to-week foundation. After increasingly positive pronouncements from head coach Dave Canales, Younger was lastly declared the full-time starter to shut out the season.
The Panthers have backed Young as their starter in 2025, however the maturity and expertise Dalton demonstrated final season was price retaining round. He’s getting into his fifteenth season and can flip 38 years previous in October, so this may very well be his final contract. With at the least $6M coming his method, Dalton’s profession earnings will probably be at the least $115M, per OverTheCap, and will attain $120M if he hits the utmost worth of the deal.
Dalton’s extension with the Panthers will preserve him from hitting free company, the place he was anticipated to attract curiosity within the backup quarterback market. The Dolphins explored buying and selling for Dalton final September, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, and were expected to renew their pursuit if he turned obtainable in March. As an alternative, they may probably pivot to Marcus Mariota, offered the Commanders don’t comply with the Panthers’ lead and re-sign their veteran backup.
