Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Trey Lance

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.

Friday, April 4, 7:16 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Trey Lance on a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. The North Dakota state product will join his third squad after the San Francisco 49ers selected him third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance spent last season with the Cowboys and passed for 266 yards and one interception with no touchdowns in four games (one start). He added 41 yards on 11 rushes. He projects to compete with teammate Taylor Heinicke for the second-string QB job behind Justin Herbert. Due to injuries and inefficient play, the 24-year-old hasn't been afforded much playing time. However, his athletic, toolsy upside could give him a chance to unseat Heinicke as the QB2 in L.A.