Quarterback Andy Dalton Feels Like He Should Be A Starter In The NFL, His Best Days Are Behind Him

By Jordan Long

The Carolina Panthers open training camp on July 26th.  They will look to improve on their 7-10 record.  Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton still thinks he is a starter in this league.

            Dalton enters his 13th season in the NFL and his first with the Panthers.  Last year he was with the New Orleans Saints.  He started 14 games and his record was 6-8.  Dalton threw for 2,871 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Dalton didn’t turn the ball over that often with 9 interceptions.

            Once the 2022 season was over for the Saints, New Orleans decided to move on from him.  He could have signed anywhere but agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with the Panthers on March 14th.  The Panthers felt he was the best veteran quarterback in free agency who could improve the quarterback room.

            During the NFL Draft, the Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the #1 pick.  Young is slated to be the starter with Dalton as the backup and Matt Corral as the third quarterback on the roster.

            Dalton knows he most likely will be the backup.  He still wants to prove he is a starter in the NFL.  According to NBCsports.com, Dalton said, “I view myself as a starter in this league; I don’t think there are 32 guys better than me.  But this is the situation I am in, and I understand that. As soon as I don’t think I’m one of the best 32, or a little lower, I’ll be watching football on TV.”

If Dalton felt that way, he wouldn’t have agreed to a contract with the Panthers.  He could have waited for a better situation. Teams who needed a #1 quarterback either didn’t contact him or stayed away from him.  The truth is Dalton isn’t a starter in this league anymore.  He is a backup quarterback and he must realize that.  His best days are behind him. 

Of course, Dalton is in a great situation with the Panthers. He can mentor the young quarterbacks on the roster.   If Young struggles at any point, then Dalton could start some games.  Not many quarterbacks have that opportunity.  Hopefully, he makes the best of the situation and proves he should still be a starting quarterback in the NFL.