Feb. 26, 2026, 1:56 p.m. ET
The New York Jets are going to acquire at least one veteran quarterback this offseason. We’ve spent the last few weeks assessing the options, ranging from Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa to Jacoby Brissett and Mac Jones. Another quarterback may be available for trade this offseason, according to reports, one who has a connection to new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
The Carolina Panthers have been getting calls about Andy Dalton’s availability via trade. Adam Schefter confirmed the report on Wednesday. Reich previously coached Dalton with the Panthers, making him a natural fit to run his offense.
Reich was named Carolina’s head coach in 2023. The Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year contract worth up to $10 million that same offseason. It’s pretty clear that Reich played a crucial role in bringing Dalton to Carolina in the first place.
Dalton appeared in three games for the Panthers that season, throwing two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Reich was famously fired just 11 games into his tenure after compiling a 1-10 record. Despite that, Dalton remained in Carolina, and has developed into a pretty good backup quarterback for Bryce Young. He’s appeared in 10 games over the previous two seasons for Dave Canales.
Dalton could emerge as an option for the Jets due to his familiarity with Reich.
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