5 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers should avoid in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should avoid Andy Dalton
Mismanagement of the quarterback position by Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy in 2021 was arguably the final straw. Proclaiming the underperforming Andy Dalton as the team’s undisputed starter despite the team moving up to acquire Justin Fields in the draft was a bizarre call to make – one that the new regime won’t be making in a hurry.
Dalton was seen as a bridge option, even though his mentality dictated thoughts that he might be in Chicago for the long haul. However, an inconsistent season blighted by injuries could see the veteran signal-caller looking for his third team in as many free agency periods after he was cut loose by the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Carolina Panthers might need an experienced figure if Cam Newton doesn’t come back as expected. P.J. Walker was given a one-year extension recently, but it’s unlikely he’ll be anything more than a depth chart piece and there is even a possibility of him failing to make the roster providing what reinforcements are sought before OTAs.
Carolina might see Dalton as a band-aid option they could throw in if things don’t develop as expected with Sam Darnold. But this is not going to generate any sort of enthusiasm and if a better option becomes available, then it would be wise for the Panthers to go down that route.
Dalton is a game manager who has become more erratic with every passing season. The Panthers already have a quarterback with similar traits, so acquiring another shouldn’t be in their train of thought.