Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Taylor Heinicke

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, 8:51 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke had a very rough outing in his first preseason game, leading all three drives in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old is competing with Trey Lance to be Justin Herbert's backup, looked inaccurate and stiff, and sailed the ball multiple times. He finished with only one completion for five yards and also took a safety that was later overturned. Heinicke's 2024 season as a backup with the Chargers saw him complete just three passes for 28 yards, and this performance does little to cement his hold on the backup role.