How can veteran quarterback Andy Dalton help the Carolina Panthers following his arrival in 2023 free agency?
Even though the Carolina Panthers made their bold move up to No 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the need for a veteran option was great. Something that was further highlighted after Sam Darnold opted to join the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal.
This left the Panthers with no alternative other than to explore the free-agent market for another option. They settled on Andy Dalton, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal that included a $4.83 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed.
Dalton is vastly experienced and performed well overall with the New Orleans Saints last season. But his role is going to alter significantly depending on which prospect the Panthers choose from atop the draft.
With this in mind, here are three ways Dalton can hep Carolina in a big way next season.
Way No. 1
Andy Dalton brings leadership to the Carolina Panthers
There isn't much that Andy Dalton hasn't seen or done since entering the league. His days of throwing 25-plus touchdowns a season are probably over, but the leadership he'll bring to the quarterback room will be invaluable to the Carolina Panthers for the duration of his deal.
Dalton knows what his role is at this stage. Something that will smooth his own transition to a team he competed against last season on the New Orleans Saints.
And who knows, he might bring a secret or two with him for good measure.
Andy Dalton can step in for the Carolina Panthers when needed
The Carolina Panthers did not surge to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft to sit their rookie quarterback. That might change if they pick Anthony Richardson, but all signs point to either C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young becoming the team's new franchise signal-caller.
Andy Dalton will play a significant role in nurturing their development throughout the offseason and when competitive action arrives. But if injury strikes at any stage, the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge he can also step in and keep the chains moving.
As stated previously, Dalton isn't a world-beater these days. The arm strength isn't what it was and the reactions are fading, but this is still a capable perfomer that can be counted upon when needed.
Hopefully, it won't come to this from Carolina's perspective. In an ideal world, their rookie will come in, stay healthy, and make a strong impression en route to getting the Panthers back into legitimate playoff contention.
Signing Dalton means those in power are leaving nothing to chance. And every serious football organization needs a contingency plan in case the worst happens with their starting option under center.
Andy Dalton can mentor Carolina Panthers rookie QB
This will be Andy Dalton's biggest task above all else. To provide a role model presence and mentor the Carolina Panthers' new rookie quarterback through their important transition from college to the pros.
Fortunately for the Panthers, this is something Dalton has experience doing. He drew widespread praise from Justin Fields during their time together on the Chicago Bears, playing a leading role in his early development and providing a big brother security blanket that got the former Ohio State signal-caller off on the right foot.
"Andy’s amazing. I mean, even this year he was texting me after good games that I had and said ‘I saw your game. Great job bro.’ Just his family, his wife, his kids. They’re amazing. Andy and Nick [Foles] they taught me a lot last year just with the life of being an NFL quarterback and he kind of took me under his wing. I’m definitely very appreciative of that and I wish Andy nothing but the best of luck."Justin Fields
If Dalton can have the same effect on someone like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, it's all systems go. He knows that starting isn't really an option with the Panthers given how much they gave up to get the top spot, so going above and beyond in a mentor capacity is the only way this move is successful.
This could be a tremendous bit of business by the Panthers with little in the way of financial outlay attached. If Dalton can achieve the three aforementioned objectives, then it's only going to help next season and potentially beyond.