Panthers tell Andy Dalton there will be competition for backup QB job

INDIANAPOLIS — The Carolina Panthers have not disguised their plans at the backup quarterback position — with the outside world or with Andy Dalton, whose time with the Panthers could be nearing an end.

General manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday that he informed Dalton the Panthers intend to add another quarterback to compete for the backup spot behind Bryce Young — the job Dalton held for Young’s first three seasons.

“Not just Andy, but with all the players, I try to stay honest and transparent with our plans. No different with Andy,” Morgan said. “Andy knows he’s gonna have to compete. We are gonna try to bring somebody in here. I don’t know who that is, whether through free agency or the draft or both.

“So I’m in constant communication with Andy. We’ve talked multiple times, and he’s aware of the plan.”

Besides being open with Dalton, Morgan’s public comments let the rest of the league know that Dalton is available via trade.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Panthers have fielded calls about Dalton. That does not guarantee they will find a robust market for the 38-year-old quarterback.

Two landing spots that could make sense are the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets, both of whom have assistant coaches with ties to Dalton. Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich was the Panthers’ head coach when they signed Dalton in 2023, while Vikings quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator Josh McCown was on Reich’s staff.

Dalton is 1-6 in seven starts with Carolina, including a 1-4 mark in 2024 after Dave Canales benched Young in Week 3 following a slow start.

The Panthers would create $2.2 million in salary-cap space by trading Dalton, with $3.7 million in dead money.