Feb. 19, 2026, 7:01 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Could the Carolina Panthers<\/a> open up the depth chart behind Bryce Young in 2026?<\/p>\n That may be a possibility according to Joe Person of The Athletic, who recently tabbed<\/a> quarterback Andy Dalton as an offseason trade candidate. Person notes that the Panthers are looking to improve<\/a> at the backup spot, and that the 38-year-old veteran might be moved to accommodate an upgrade:<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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\u2019s designated as a post-June 1 cut. If the Panthers don\u2019t sign a quarterback in free agency, they could hang on to Dalton. But that doesn\u2019t appear to be their preference.<\/p>\n Dalton joined the Panthers ahead of the 2023 campaign. He\u2019s made seven starts over his 13 appearances since\u2014passing for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 64.7-percent completion rate.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n