Roundtable: Initial Thoughts on the Panthers Signing QB Andy Dalton

Scott Fitterer found the veteran QB he was looking for.

Tuesday evening, the Carolina Panthers agreed to terms on a two-year deal with veteran free agent quarterback Andy Dalton. Whether he will serve as the bridge to a rookie or as a backup from day one is an answer we are unlikely to have until well after the draft, perhaps not until training camp.

Regardless of his role, Dalton brings a wealth of knowledge to the table which will be beneficial to others in the room. 

Here's what our staff thinks of the new Panthers QB:

Schuyler Callihan: B+

Dalton is about as good of an option as there was left for the Panthers. Is it going to move the needle? No, but it doesn't have to. That move will come next month with the first pick in the draft. Frank Reich just needed to get a quarterback that has been around and has loads of starting experience under his belt and Dalton has that. Plus, it's not like Dalton can't play efficient football anymore. He did a fine job in 14 starts last year with New Orleans and if he's asked to hold the fort down for a few weeks until the rookie is ready to take over the offense, he's more than capable of getting the job done and winning games.

Jeff Haseley: A

Andy Dalton is a veteran presence, an additional coach on the field, and a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency quarterback. I would put him in the middle-upper tier of backup quarterbacks in the league. He is more than capable of providing a sound alternative option in the event he is needed to fill in for a few games. I would assume this gives Carolina a quarterback room of a rookie, Dalton, and Matt Corral which isn't bad considering what other teams may have at their disposal.

Tyler Ball: C

At this point, I don’t think Dalton is any upgrade compared to Darnold. I don’t think it’s a smart decision. Carolina has had several veteran QBs that haven't worked out, albeit under a different staff/scheme. Dalton is better served as a backup.

Matt Welch: B- 

This is a good move based solely on having a veteran presence in the locker room at QB who can take on the rookie coming in plus Matt Corral. It’ll be a decent one-year move. Dalton can start if need be for a few games if the coaching staff wants to give their draftee some time under his belt.

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