Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Jake Haener

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.

Sunday, July 27, 9:22 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener reportedly has a real shot at winning the starting gig to begin the regular season. Haener has looked good during training camp and is reportedly making this a real three-man race. Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough are probably above him on the depth chart, but the Saints aren't counting Haener out. Last season, Haener made one start for the Saints during their Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders. He completed 4-of-10 passing attempts for 49 yards and one interception before getting benched at halftime in favor of Rattler. Despite that, the Saints aren't holding that outing against him and are giving Haener a fair chance at the starting gig. This is clearly going to be a rebuild in New Orleans, so Shough seems like the favor to start. However, Haener and Rattler are going to get real opportunities during camp and the preseason.