NFL Trade Rumors on Panthers' Andy Dalton, QB's Market Ahead of 2026 Free Agency

The growing market of available quarterbacks this offseason reportedly has yet another new addition.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Carolina Panthers have been "getting calls" from teams around the NFL regarding a potential trade for veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton.

Adding Dalton to the mix creates another option for teams in need of a new quarterback this offseason. Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed on Tuesday that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released on the first day of the new league year on March 11. Miami Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa and Arizona Cardinals starter Kyler Murray are expected to be among the top trade candidates over the next few weeks. Some of the other notable free-agent signal-callers include Aaron Rodgers, Malik Willis, Daniel Jones and Russell Wilson.

Dalton has spent the last three seasons in Carolina after signing with the team in 2023, serving as the primary backup to 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young. He's made 13 appearances in a Panthers uniform with seven starts in place of Young, throwing for 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions over that span.

A second-round pick in the 2011 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton has earned three Pro Bowl selections in his career. He also had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints before joining the Panthers.

While the 38-year-old isn't the quarterback he once was, he has proven to be a strong veteran mentor to young signal-callers and a stabilizing presence in the locker room. A team like the New York Jets could certainly use Dalton's services, and ESPN's Rich Cimini pointed out that their new offensive coordinator Frank Reich previously coached Dalton in Carolina.

In the right situation, Dalton can make an impact for a team in 2026, so his availability on the trade market could shake things up in the quarterback carousel this offseason.