Andy Dalton Gets Last Chance From NFC Disaster in Projected Offseason Move
By Jovan Alford
The Carolina Panthers made the shocking decision to bench Bryce Young earlier this season and turn the starting QB job over to Andy Dalton. The Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year, $10 million contract last offseason to be the backup.
Dalton made his first start this season in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing an immediate spark to the offense. The 37-year-old quarterback completed 26-of-37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns as the Panthers won 36-22.
However, after that electrifying performance, things went south for the Panthers. They lost their four consecutive games with Dalton under center. During that stretch, Dalton completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 670 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Even though the veteran did not look good in those four games, Dalton showed the rest of the league that he can still be a viable backup heading into free agency.
Nevertheless, Bleacher Report believes the New York Giants should go after Dalton in the offseason.
""With the Jones era officially over, New York must examine all options when it comes to finding a new quarterback of the future. New York will likely start by examining top 2025 draft prospects, but it should pave the way for a rookie by adding a veteran bridge.
DeVito isn't the answer for that role either.
Journeyman quarterback Andy Dalton has filled the bridge role twice. He was in Chicago when the Bears drafted Justin Fields—another potential free-agent target—in 2021. He's spent the past two seasons helping to mentor Bryce Young in Carolina.
Dalton can still play well enough to win a game or two if needed. A three-time Pro Bowler with the Bengals, he could also help teach a young signal-caller what it means to be the face of a franchise.""
With how badly the Giants bungled the Daniel Jones’ situation, drafting a rookie quarterback and signing Dalton wouldn’t be a bad idea.
The veteran quarterback is respected across the league and has played the backup role quite well behind two young quarterbacks (Bryce Young – Carolina and Justin Fields – Chicago).
If the Giants go after a rookie quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft but do not want to start him immediately, Dalton showed he can push the ball down the field this season. However, the big question for Dalton is whether he wants to go to New York, given how dysfunctional they’ve looked this season.
That said, if he believes there’s an opportunity to start/play next season, New York would give Dalton the best chance to accomplish that.
More Panthers news and analysis: