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.

Monday, March 10, 3:04 PM

The New York Jets have signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million. This deal includes $30 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old opened the 2024 campaign as Pittsburgh's No. 1 quarterback before being replaced by Russell Wilson. During his time as the starter, Fields averaged 183.4 passing yards and 38.5 rushing yards per game. He found the back of the end zone 10 times (five passing, five rushing) and threw just one interception. During the 2022 season, Fields enjoyed a career-season as he tallied 2,242 passing yards and added an impressive 1,143 yards on the ground. During this season, he threw 17 scores and tallied eight rushing touchdowns. However, he threw 11 interceptions. Fantasy managers should expect Fields to likely operate as their starting quarterback as the Jets are parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. Veteran Tyrod Taylor is also on the roster and could compete for starting opportunities during training camp if Fields were to struggle. Fields carries solid upside as a high-end QB2 in all formats given his elite rushing ability.