PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles added a veteran presence to their quarterback room on Wednesday, acquiring Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. The trade, pending a physical, bolsters the Eagles’ depth behind starter Jalen Hurts as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
The move comes as the quarterback market continues to shift this month. At 38 years old, Dalton brings 16 years of NFL experience to Philadelphia. Although no longer a primary starter, his arrival provides valuable insurance and a seasoned voice in the locker room, particularly after Sam Howell signed with the Dallas Cowboys during free agency.
A Proven Veteran
Dalton’s career has spanned multiple franchises, beginning with nine seasons as the face of the Cincinnati Bengals franchise. He led the Bengals to five consecutive playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015 and earned three Pro Bowl selections. Currently, he ranks 26th in NFL history in career passing yards. [1]
His recent stint in Carolina, though marked by a 1-6 record as a starter, demonstrated his continued ability to manage games and complete passes at a high rate – over 64% during his time with the Panthers. [1] Dalton stepped in for Bryce Young in 2024, starting five games and throwing for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions with an 82.5 passer rating before a thumb injury sidelined him. [1]
Eagles’ Quarterback Hierarchy
Despite Dalton’s arrival, the Eagles’ quarterback depth chart remains clearly defined. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Tanner McKee is firmly established as the primary backup to Jalen Hurts. [1] Dalton will slot in as the third quarterback, offering a reliable option in case of injury to either Hurts or McKee. This provides a level of security that the Eagles clearly valued, even if it meant only surrendering a late-round draft pick.
Financially, the Eagles will assume the $4 million owed to Dalton for the final year of his contract. [4] The Panthers, meanwhile, clear the way for Bryce Young and newly acquired Kenny Pickett to lead the quarterback position, potentially signaling a shift towards a younger approach at the position and opening the possibility of addressing the quarterback position through the draft or free agency in the future. [4]
Panthers’ Rationale
The Panthers’ decision to trade Dalton stemmed from a desire for a more athletic quarterback to back up Bryce Young, a sentiment expressed by General Manager Dan Morgan last month. [4] Signing Kenny Pickett to a one-year, $4 million contract solidified that plan, making Dalton expendable. While a seventh-round pick isn’t a significant return, it’s better than releasing Dalton outright, which would have resulted in a smaller amount of cap space savings. [4]
What This Means for the Eagles
For the Eagles, this move isn’t about finding a potential replacement for Jalen Hurts. Hurts remains the undisputed leader of the offense. Instead, it’s about mitigating risk. Having a veteran like Dalton available provides a level of comfort knowing that, should the worst happen, they have a quarterback who can step in and execute the offense without a significant drop-off. This is particularly important given the physical demands of the NFL and the potential for unforeseen injuries.
Dalton’s experience will also be invaluable to both Hurts and McKee. He can serve as a mentor, sharing his knowledge of the game and helping them develop their skills. His ability to read defenses and build quick decisions will be a valuable asset in practice and during game preparation.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will begin their offseason workouts in April, giving Dalton an opportunity to integrate into the offense and build rapport with his new teammates. The team will then turn its attention to the NFL Draft, where they will look to address other needs on the roster. [1]
The Panthers, meanwhile, will focus on developing Young and Pickett, hoping to build a competitive quarterback duo for the future. Their next key date is the start of the NFL Draft, where they will have the opportunity to add more talent to their roster. [3]
The Eagles next scheduled team activity is their voluntary offseason workout program, beginning April 1st. Fans can follow updates on the team’s official website and social media channels.
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