The Carolina Panthers took a big jump in Dave Canales' second season as head coach, going from five wins to eight, winning the NFC South in the process. Now, the Panthers are looking for a way to take another step forward, but they may have something in the works.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers are receiving trade calls on backup quarterback Andy Dalton this offseason. Regardless of whether they made a trade or not, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan made it clear that the Panthers will bring in another backup quarterback this offseason, and Dalton knows it.
"Andy knows he has to compete," Morgan said. "We're going to try to get somebody here. I don't know who it is, whether through free agency or the draft or both, you never know. So I'm in constant communication with Andy. We've talked a few times, and he's aware of the plan, and we'll see what happens. I think it's really up to Andy in terms of competition. Andy's not afraid of competition, so we'll see what happens in free agency; we'll see that." "Andy what happens in the draft; and then we'll see how it goes."
Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan on Andy Dalton
Now 38, Dalton is a two-time Pro Bowl QB who is in the last year of his contract in Carolina. While he could provide valuable experience to Carolina's QB room, it's possible another team would be willing to offer a third-day draft pick in exchange for the 15-year veteran.
If the Panthers can also get a seventh- or sixth-round pick by trading Dalton, who can be cut from the roster before the season starts, that's an opportunity worth considering. After all, they could have signed another veteran QB to replace him anyway.
Young and Dalton are the only quarterbacks on Carolina's roster, but as Morgan said, another addition is on the way.
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