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Stat of the Jay: Ex-Bengals QB Andy Dalton's New Deal Will Enable Him To Crack An Elite List Full of Hall of Famers

Jay Morrison|
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI – A second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals signed a contract extension Tuesday, but it wasn’t Tee Higgins.

While the team’s 2020 second-round pick waits to receive the franchise tag that he hopes will lead to a long-term deal, the Bengals’ 2011 second-round pick – quarterback Andy Dalton – signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Carolina Panthers.

Dalton, who will turn 38 in October, played nine seasons in Cincinnati before ceding to the Joe Burrow era.

The new contract, which could be worth as much as $10 million, will bring Dalton’s career earnings to at least $116 million.

While Dalton will serve in the role of backup to Bryce Young, there is a chance he could get enough playing time in the next two seasons to pass Johnny Unitas for 25th for most passing yards in NFL history.

Dalton has passed for 39,500 yards in his 14-year career with the Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, Saints and Panthers.

Unitas threw for 40,239 yards in 18 seasons.

Among quarterbacks drafted after the first round, Dalton’s yardage total ranks 11th in NFL history.

Tom Brady (sixth round), 89,214

Drew Brees (second), 80,358

Brett Favre (second), 71,838

Fran Tarkenton (third), 47,003

Russell Wilson (third), 46,135

Dan Fouts (third), 43,040

Kirk Cousins (fourth), 42,979

Derek Carr (second), 41,245

Joe Montana (third), 40,551

Johnny Unitas (ninth), 40,239

Andy Dalton (second), 39,500

Dalton has faced the Bengals four times since leaving Cincinnati, once each with the Cowboys, Bears, Saints and Panthers.

If Cincinnati and Carolina finish in the same position in their respective divisions in 2025, the Panthers will visit Paycor Stadium in 2026, giving Dalton a chance for a special homecoming regardless of whether he sees any action.

Andy Dalton ranks 26th in passing yards in NFL history.
Most passing yards in NFL history | SportRadar

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Jay Morrison
JAY MORRISON

Jay Morrison covers the Cincinnati Bengals for Bengals On SI. He has been writing about the NFL for nearly three decades. Combining a passion for stats and storytelling, Jay takes readers beyond the field for a unique look at the game and the people who play it. Prior to joining Bengals on SI, Jay covered the Cincinnati Bengals beat for The Athletic, the Dayton Daily News and Pro Football Network.

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