Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Jarrett Stidham

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, August 10, 10:36 AM

Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham was sharp in the team's 30-9 victory over the hosting San Francisco 49ers on Saturday in the preseason opener, going 14-for-15 passing for 136 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 36 yards on the ground on his three carries. Stidham took over for Bo Nix after the first-team offense did little with their three series, and he promptly led the Broncos to three scoring drives. Although it was a good showing for the 29-year-old signal-caller, it was against the Niners' backup defense, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million deal in March to stay in Denver as the backup to Nix, who is entrenched as the team's starter after leading the team to the playoffs in his rookie season in 2024. Stidham did not attempt a single pass last year.