NFL teams may have a chance to acquire an experienced quarterback before the 2026 season begins. NFL.com's Kevin Patra highlighted Andy Dalton as a cut candidate ahead of Sunday's 53-player roster deadline. The 38-year-old is competing with Tanner McKee for the Philadelphia Eagles' backup quarterback job behind Jalen Hurts.
"Tanner McKee has clearly outplayed Dalton so far this preseason," Patra wrote. "I don’t think the Eagles would get much of anything in return for Dalton in a trade, but I’m sure general manager Howie Roseman will explore all options. There is no sense in keeping excess QBs in Philly." Dalton made three Pro Bowls over nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the franchise's all-time leader with 204 passing touchdowns.
The former second-round pick bounced around to the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints for one season each before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2023. Carolina controversially benched Bryce Young early in the 2024 campaign, and Dalton responded by accruing 319 passing yards and three touchdowns in a Week 3 win. The Panthers lost each of Dalton's ensuing four starts before returning to Young, who led them to an NFC South title last season.
Dalton filled in for Young in a Week 8 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, so he's started at least one game in each of his 15 seasons. That streak could be in jeopardy depending on where he lands. The Eagles sent a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Carolina for Dalton in March, and he's split second-team reps with McKee in training camp.
Dalton may have damaged his chances of winning the QB2 gig when completing three of 10 passes for 44 yards in Philadelphia's second preseason game, especially since McKee went 16-of-22 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. "I think both the guys are battling, and I'm really confident in both of the guys. We'll see where that goes," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after the game, per team reporter Chris McPherson.
"It's still a competition." If the Eagles part ways with Dalton, he could interest plenty of teams as a serviceable understudy who is 203 yards away from becoming the NFL's 26th quarterback to reach 40,000 career passing yards.
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