Quarterback Andy Dalton has signed a two-year deal to return to the Carolina Panthers as Bryce Young’s backup, the team announced Tuesday.
A 14-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, Dalton believes the Panthers are making strides after enduring seven straight losing seasons and wants to contribute to their progress.
He’s not alone in that sentiment.
Wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has one year remaining on his three-year, $25 million contract, plans to return for his 12th NFL season despite missing seven games in 2024 due to a hamstring injury.
“I feel great,” Thielen said during Super Bowl Week media appearances. “I took a couple of weeks off, recharged, and started training again. I spent valuable time with my family and reflected on how the season ended, the team’s progress, and the moves the organization is making. I’m really excited about Bryce and the future of this team, and I want to be a part of it.”
Thielen, who was Young’s top target during his rookie campaign with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, followed up with 48 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. His production surged in the final six games, where he posted 37 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns, including two 100-yard performances.
During that six-game stretch, Young completed 121 of 196 passes for 1,320 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The former Alabama standout was the Panthers’ top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and started 16 games as a rookie, though Carolina finished with just two wins. After an 0-2 start in 2024, Young was temporarily replaced by Dalton.
Dalton started five games before suffering a thumb injury in a car accident, allowing Young to reclaim the starting job for the final 10 games. The Panthers won four of their last nine matchups, finishing 5-12.
Reflecting on Young’s late-season performance, Thielen highlighted his growth.
“When he was able to just be himself and bring that energy—not necessarily through words, but through body language and confidence—it spread throughout the team in a good way,” Thielen said. “That’s when things started to click, and I think that’s why he found success toward the end of the year.”
Thielen has been Young’s most reliable target over the past two seasons, connecting with him for 139 receptions, 1,444 yards, and seven touchdowns.
“He’s at his best when he’s playing with confidence,” Thielen added. “When he feels like he’s earned the right to be himself, good things happen. He showed that toward the end of the year, and it’s given everyone in the organization confidence that he can take this team to the next level.”