Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Zach Wilson

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, March 30, 7:49 PM

Last week, Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson told the Associated Press that he still believes he can start. "I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes, and so I just try to put myself in the best situation...and do the absolute best that I can." It hasn't panned out for the 25-year-old since the New York Jets selected him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson was abysmal during his time as a Jet, but the team didn't do him any favors. After spending 2024 as a Bronco under head coach Sean Payton, the BYU product claims he learned much despite not seeing the field and plans to continue learning more under new head coach Mike McDaniel. "What's not to like?" he said. "You've seen how Tua's development has gone since he's been there. I'm just excited to be with those guys." Ideally, the Dolphins won't need to call upon Wilson's services in 2025. Though, if they do, it appears his confidence has grown in leaps and bounds.