CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson on Wednesday signed a two-year extension that he called a "no-brainer."
Anderson was heading into the final year of his previous two-year deal worth $2,564,000. Details of his new contract were not immediately available.
"To be here with the players, coaches and management we have -- everything is top notch," Anderson said in a team release. "It was a no-brainer for me."
Anderson has been the backup at Carolina since starter Cam Newton was selected with the first pick of the 2011 draft. He was 2-0 last season as the starter when Newton was injured.
The Panthers now are assured of having their top two quarterbacks through 2017. Newton signed a five-year, $103.8 million extension in June that guarantees he'll be with the team through 2020.
"Derek adds stability to the quarterback position as the backup, and we have tremendous confidence in him," coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. "His experience and veteran leadership has been important in the quarterbacks room and with the coaches.
"We're securing a veteran player who has been a big part of what we're building."
Anderson is entering his 11th NFL season. He made the Pro Bowl at Cleveland in 2007. In 59 career games with 43 starts he has 9,907 yards passing and 58 touchdowns.
Anderson told ESPN.com early in training camp he considered other options to be a starter two years ago, but returned to Carolina because he liked the direction the organization was headed.
Nothing has changed. Anderson said he would be happy spending the rest of his career as Newton's backup.
"If we get to the Super Bowl, it's fine," Anderson said. "That's our ultimate goal. And that's why I'm here, because I feel the pieces are here to do that.
"If I don't play another game the rest of my career and win a Super Bowl, I'll be happy."