Andy

Dalton

It was previously reported that the Panthers were getting calls for Andy Dalton. The team then went out and signed Kenny Pickett, making it clear they were moving on from Dalton this offseason. Getting even a seventh-round pick in return for Dalton is mildly impressive for Panthers GM Dan Morgan. After the trade, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo insisted, “Tanner McKee firmly locked into the No. 2 spot behind Jalen Hurts.” That would be a bit odd given that the Eagles just sought out Dalton, though they did carry three quarterbacks on their roster last year.

Newton adds “even if it means releasing Dalton and leaving $3.83 million in dead cap money.” Things really crashed down hard from the Andy Dalton Combine “getting calls” experience. Dalton, who turns 39 in October, likely proved that he just wasn’t a good enough backup last year in his start against the Bills to keep paying a premium on. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Panthers cut him.

This comes a day after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Panthers had been receiving calls about Dalton for a potential trade. Morgan said he “would talk to Andy” about any requests for a trade that may come through, but it’s hard to imagine the 38-year-old signal-caller being in high demand with free agency and the draft still to go. Dalton has one more year remaining on his current deal with the Panthers, and could make for a nice bridge for a team bringing in a younger quarterback, but wouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a one-year option.

Dalton has one year left on his current deal in Carolina. The team signed him as Bryce Young’s backup in 2023. He saw significant playing time in 2024 and the team kept him around as a break glass incase of emergency option to replace Young. Dalton was only needed for one start last year. He threw for 175 scoreless yards and an interception while taking seven sacks. The Panthers got trounced by the Bills with a final score of 9-40. The fact that there are still teams interested in Dalton, even as a backup, speaks to the stagnant state of quarterback play across the league. The Panthers wouldn’t fetch more than a late-round pick for Dalton.

Dalton is dealing with a right thumb injury and was listed as questionable. He will back up Bryce Young today. Inactive for the Panthers are OLB Princely Umanmielen, WR Hunter Renfrow, QB Mike White, C Cade Mays, TE James Mitchell, and DT Cam Jackson.

It sounds like the Panthers are still managing Young to some extent — they were eager to see how he’d perform on their hardest practice of the week — but he looks like a good bet to start on Sunday from here. Andy Dalton (thumb) got in a limited session after not practicing on Wednesday. Mike White was signed to the active roster today and most reporters mentioned Dalton, not Young, as the likely scratch in the scenario that White is active.

Bryce Young practiced in full after missing Week 8 with an ankle injury. All signs point to Young drawing the start in Week 9 against the Packers. Superflex managers can safely send Dalton back to the waiver wire.

Dalton also took seven sacks and fumbled twice on the day. It was truly one of the worst performances you’re going to see from a quarterback, especially one who has been pretty solid throughout his entire career. Dalton just seemed like he had no chemistry with any of his receivers and looked fully uncomfortable in the pocket behind an offensive line that lost three starters due to injury. There is no quarterback controversy here, and Bryce Young should start next week against the Packers if his ankle is up to the task.

Bryce Young (ankle, doubtful) hasn’t officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game, but we can see the writing on the wall here. Young is dealing with a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 7’s win over the Jets, and could be at risk of missing more than just one game. With Young set to be ruled out at some point before kickoff, the Panthers will pivot to Andy Dalton, who has thrown for 118 yards and one touchdown on 13 pass attempts. Dalton will have some appeal in 2QB/superflex leagues but shouldn’t be trusted in 1QB formats.

This was to be expected after Young failed to take the practice field during the first two days of the week. Before that, it was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that Young’s injury was the kind that “is generally a 2-4 week injury,” setting an early precedent that the Panthers’ QB1 would miss at least one game, and perhaps multiple. The doubtful designation foreshadows Young being ruled out sooner or later, paving the way for Andy Dalton to start vs. the Bills. Dalton could be on the fantasy radar for superflex or 2QB leagues with six teams on bye this week.