Andy Dalton and Bryce Young in the Panthers locker room.Andy Dalton and Bryce Young (Photo via NFL)
Bryce Young was the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and that’s a far cry from his teammate, Andy Dalton, who was selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 35th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Young started for the team the following season after the Panthers essentially traded their souls to select the rookie with the first overall pick. After finishing the 2023 season with a record of 2-15 and starting the 2024 season at 0-2, Young was benched for the aforementioned Dalton.

Dalton led the Panthers to their first win of the 2024 regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders, and for those who thought Bryce Young would be bitter, it seems he is quite the opposite towards his mentor.

Following the 36-22 win over the Raiders, NFL Network cameras followed Dalton into the locker room. The first player to greet the 36-year-old was the sophomore himself, and he was all smiles and hugs, apparently.

Bryce Young Hugs Andy Dalton Following The Panthers’ First Win Of The 2024 Season

There wasn’t much said between the two signal callers, as there was a ton of cheering in the locker room following the meaningful win, and rightfully so. However, Young can still take a lot from Dalton’s performance on the night.

The elder quarterback had one of the best games of his NFL career, throwing for over 300 yards, adding three passing touchdowns and no interceptions. Dalton proved Dave Canales right after his coach’s statements earlier in the week.

Canales told reporters that Dalton offers the team the best chance at victory. Dalton will also start against his former team on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals, which drafted him out of TCU and are looking for their first win.