Ex-Saints QB Gets Starting Nod For The Panthers

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback will start for Carolina in Week 1 over their first-round overall draft pick.

Carolina intends to have former New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton start "heading into the season" instead of the top overall first-round pick Bryce Young from the draft. "If Andy's the guy to start the season, and he's the starter right now heading into the season, then he'll be the guy," Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said to Mike Florio on Pro Football Talk. "When Bryce is ready or Matt Corral is ready whoever it may be, that'll be the time they go in." 

Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On March 17, the nine-year veteran, Andy Dalton, signed a contract with the Panthers for $10 million over two years, with $8 million guaranteed. The deal is worth up to $17 million with incentives. In 2022, Dalton played for New Orleans and started 14 games for the injured starter Jameis Winston. He had 2,871 passing yards, 18 touchdown passes, and nine interceptions. Dalton achieved his highest completion percentage ever at 66.7% last season.

Fitterer confirmed in his interview with Florio that Carolina's priority was a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft when they traded with the Chicago Bears. Dalton is a dependable option for the Panthers, while Bryce Young adjusts to the National Football League and develops his skills. He did not rule out the possibility of Young having playing time in 2023-24.

History is repeating itself for Dalton. He will be mentoring Bryce Young as he did with Justin Fields during his 2021-rookie season in Chicago. The Red Rifle is no stranger to starting a season as a rookie quarterback - he did so with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011.