Andrew Buller-Russ
The Carolina Panthers took a big leap ahead in Dave Canales’ second season as head coach, going from five wins to eight, winning the NFC South in the process. Now, the Panthers are looking for a way to take another step forward, but they could have something in the works.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers have been receiving trade calls on backup quarterback Andy Dalton this offseason. Regardless of whether he’s traded or not, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan made it clear that the Panthers will be bringing in another backup quarterback this offseason, and Dalton knows that.
“Andy knows he’s going to have to compete,” Morgan said. “We are going to try to bring somebody in here. I don’t know who that is, whether through free agency or the draft or both, you never know. So I’m in constant communication with Andy. We’ve talked multiple times, and he’s aware of the plan, and we’ll see what happens. I think it’s really up to Andy, in terms of Andy competing. Andy’s not afraid of competition, so we’ll see what happens in free agency; we’ll see what happens in the draft; and then we’ll see how it plays out.”
Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan on Andy Dalton
Now 38-years old, Dalton is a two-time Pro Bowl QB who’s in the last year of his contract in Carolina. While he may provide valuable experience to Carolina’s QB room, it’s possible another team is willing to offer a late Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the 15-year veteran.
If the Panthers can get even a seventh or sixth-round selection by trading Dalton, who could be cut from the roster before the season starts anyway, then it’s an avenue worth considering. After all, they could just sign another veteran QB to replace him anyway.
Young and Dalton are the only quarterbacks on Carolina’s roster, but as Morgan noted, another addition is on the way.
Related: Carolina Panthers Express Interest in Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher
