Panthers land veteran Andy Dalton to guide future rookie quarterback

The Carolina Panthers have found a veteran mentor for their pending first overall draft pick.

The Panthers agreed to terms on a contract with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to The Observer. Dalton, 35, is expected to make $10 million over two next two seasons. He can make up to $17 million with incentives, a league source confirmed. ESPN was first report the contract details.

The deal can’t be made official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is set to join his fifth team in as many seasons. Originally selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Dalton played the first nine years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has served as veteran backup for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints during the past three years.

During his 12-year career, Dalton has posted an 83-77-2 record as a starter. He has produced 38,150 yards, 244 touchdowns and 144 interceptions in the passing game. The quarterback has added 1,465 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns as well.

Dalton was among the most accomplished quarterbacks on the free-agent market. While he was also one of the older players at the position, his recent work with New Orleans — a 6-8 record as a starter, while throwing for 2,871 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions — showed he still has a lot left in the tank.

Following the Panthers’ blockbuster trade with the Bears last week, Carolina is set to pick first overall in April’s NFL draft for the first time since 2011, when the franchise selected Cam Newton.

The Panthers intend to select a quarterback, and Dalton’s job as a veteran will be to mentor the younger signal-caller. Dalton can also start games and lead the offense in practice until the rookie prospect is ready.

The Panthers are expected to target one of the consensus top-four quarterbacks in the draft. Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis make up that group. Dalton will be able to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears on the practice field and the sideline, guiding the rookie prospect as he starts his NFL journey.

As Carolina head coach Frank Reich once did with Kerry Collins and Derek Anderson did with Newton, Dalton has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Panthers’ organization by tutoring the future face of the franchise.