Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Aidan O'Connell

Tuesday, February 18, 4:15 PM

The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Andy Dalton agreed on a two-year, $8 million deal on Tuesday that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $10 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The veteran signal-caller will remain in Carolina, where he's developed a close relationship with starter Bryce Young. Dalton, 37, ended up making five starts for the Panthers in 2024 after the team benched Young following his slow start. In his six appearances in his second year in Carolina, the Red Rifle completed 66.3% of his 160 pass attempts for 989 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions before suffering a thumb injury in a car accident that gave the Panthers a reason to go back to Young to end the year. Young looked the best he has in his young career to close out 2024, so Dalton will be entrenched as his backup entering the 2025 season.

Friday, August 8, 12:52 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell had an up-and-down preseason debut Thursday against the Seahawks, completing 18 of 30 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He found second-year running back Dylan Laube for a six-yard score in the third quarter but otherwise led the offense to just two field goals. O'Connell is competing to retain the backup role behind Geno Smith, but his inconsistency leaves the door open. Sixth-round rookie Cam Miller, drafted out of North Dakota State, is pushing for the job and could close the gap with a strong showing in upcoming games.