Quarterback Andy Dalton has spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, but the former TCU standout isn’t expected to return to Charlotte in 2026.

ESPN’s David Newton noted this week that moving on from Dalton is the “plan” this offseason, though it’s not a “done deal” that they will.

“It’s not a done deal that Carolina will move on by trading or releasing the 38-year-old, who was 0-1 as the starter last season and 1-6 over the past three seasons,” wrote Newton. “All (Dan) Morgan said was that Dalton would have to compete for the job. But in the same breath Morgan said the team wants to develop a young backup behind Young. Moving on is the plan, even if it means releasing Dalton and leaving $3.83 million in dead cap money with a post-June 1 parting.“

ESPN names a free agent quarterback to watch for the Panthers

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out free agent quarterback Kenny Pickett as a name to watch for Carolina to serve as a backup to starter Bryce Young.

“One name to potentially watch as a backup in Carolina: Kenny Pickett,” wrote Fowler on Sunday.

Pickett, who turns 28 in June, isn’t exactly “young”, but he’s younger than Dalton, who will turn 39 in October.

The former Pittsburgh Panthers standout was a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pickett, however, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2024 season after the Steelers landed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

Signing Pickett would be a solid option for the Panthers. He has significant starting experience (he’s 16-11 as a starter in his career), but he isn’t a real threat to push for the starting job. Ideally, the Panthers will sign a backup quarterback who will stick around for more than a season or two.

Other free agent backup quarterback options for Carolina include Zach Wilson, Trey Lance or Sam Howell, according to ESPN.

Carolina Panthers News

ESPN names the player the Carolina Panthers are most likely to lose to free agency this offseason

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Zach Ragan