Could the Carolina Panthers open up the depth chart behind Bryce Young in 2026?
That may be a possibility according to Joe Person of The Athletic, who recently tabbed quarterback Andy Dalton as an offseason trade candidate. Person notes that the Panthers are looking to improve at the backup spot, and that the 38-year-old veteran might be moved to accommodate an upgrade:
The idea of bringing in Dalton as a mentor and backup to Young was sound, but appears to have run its course. In his lone start last year with Young out with a high ankle sprain, Dalton was overmatched in a 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, getting sacked seven times and coughing up three turnovers. The Panthers extended Dalton last February on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes a $2 million guaranteed salary this year. So releasing him would bring negligible cap savings, unless he’s designated as a post-June 1 cut. If the Panthers don’t sign a quarterback in free agency, they could hang on to Dalton. But that doesn’t appear to be their preference.
Dalton joined the Panthers ahead of the 2023 campaign. He’s made seven starts over his 13 appearances since—passing for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 64.7-percent completion rate.
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Carolina could clear up approximately $2.2 million of salary cap space with a trade of Dalton, who is entering the final year of his contract.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL rumors: Insider believes Panthers could trade QB this offseason