Bryce Young is locked in as the Panthers’ starting quarterback for 2026, but the team may have a new second-stringer next season. Backup Andy Dalton is generating trade interest, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
A three-time Pro Bowler during his run as the Bengals’ starter from 2011-19, Dalton has since achieved journeyman status. Before moving to Carolina in 2023, Dalton divided three seasons among Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans.
Since the end of his Bengals tenure, the 38-year-old has combined for 36 starts, including seven with the Panthers. He briefly took over as the Panthers’ starter when they benched a struggling Young in September 2024. Dalton made five starts then, but after he sprained his thumb in an October car crash, Young reclaimed the position for the rest of the year. The former No. 1 overall pick has held the role ever since.
With Young performing well enough to keep his job in 2025, Dalton saw less action than ever. He attempted a career-low 37 passes over four appearances. His lone start, a 40-9 loss to the Bills in Week 8, came while Young was on the shelf with a high ankle sprain. That may go down as Dalton’s last start as a Panther if general manager Dan Morgan receives a good enough offer. Otherwise, given Dalton’s close relationship with Young, the Panthers may be content to continue with him in the No. 2 role.
Twelve months ago, with Dalton nearing another trip to free agency, Morgan kept him in place on a two-year, $8MM extension. He’s due a 2026 base salary of $3.9MM, which is reasonable for an established backup and even more appealing for a stopgap starter.
It’s unknown which teams have shown interest in Dalton, but Rich Cimini of ESPN points out that he played for Jets offensive coordinator/former Panthers head coach Frank Reich in Carolina in 2023. The Jets are expected to release Justin Fields, while Tyrod Taylor is heading for free agency. That leaves New York as an obvious landing spot for a veteran signal-caller, whether it’s Dalton or someone else.