Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Justin Fields

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.

Saturday, May 31, 1:44 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields thinks he could be on the cusp of a breakout season in a new location. "I think I can be great," Fields said. "That's been the goal for me my whole life, my whole career. I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense, but we do have a long way to go." Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in March and is on his third team after being taken 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of Ohio State. The 26-year-old is also working with his fourth different offensive coordinator in five years. He's known for his elite running ability, but the Jets' goal is to make Fields a complete QB. In his last 12 games, Field has gone 8-4 with 17 total TDs and only seven turnovers. Before that, he went 6-26 with 46 TDs and 35 turnovers. Because of his rushing upside along, Fields will be a high-end QB2, and if he can improve as a passer, QB1 production could follow.