The Carolina Panthers are making moves with the goal of being a competitive team sooner than later.
They made a big splash just days ago when they traded four draft picks and stud wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears in order to nab the No. 1 overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft.
That pick will presumably be used on a potential franchise quarterback, likely either the University of Alabama’s Bryce Young or the Ohio State University’s C.J. Stroud.
On Tuesday, Carolina made a minor move in order to add some depth at QB by signing veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton.
Veteran free-agent QB Andy Dalton is expected to reach agreement on a two-year, $10 million deal that includes $8 million fully guaranteed with the Carolina Panthers, per source. Contract max value is $17 million. pic.twitter.com/GCBhqpQ0H8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2023
Dalton just finished his 12th pro season, which was spent with the 7-10 New Orleans Saints where he started the year backing up Jameis Winston.
But after Winston went out following Week 3, Dalton became the starter the rest of the way, even after Winston recovered from the back fractures that were keeping him out of action.
In 14 games, Dalton put up 2,871 passing yards on a 66.7 percent completion rate and 18 touchdowns on a solid 95.2 passer rating.
He played his first nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, and after one season each with the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, he moved on to New Orleans.
With the Panthers, Dalton will provide some veteran leadership for a relatively young team, something which is invaluable for such a squad.
Perhaps it is way too early to expect to see them in the playoffs, but with Young or Stroud under center moving forward (at least presumably), their fans can look to the immediate future with optimism.
NEXT: The Panthers Are Reportedly Open To Moving On From 1 QB
