The Philadelphia Eagles added veteran quarterback depth on Wednesday, acquiring Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. Dalton, 38 years old, spent the past three seasons in Carolina as the primary backup to first-overall draft pick Bryce Young.
He brings 169 career starts and three Pro Bowl selections to Philadelphia, credentials largely built during his nine-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The trade cost was minimal. A late seventh-round pick in 2027 is about as low-cost as it gets in the NFL, and for it, the Eagles add a quarterback who has lined up under center at six different franchises.
Jalen Hurts remains the unquestioned starter, but backup depth behind him has been a quiet storyline heading into this offseason.
Carolina’s Quiet Pivot Away from Dalton Began Well Before Tuesday’s Trade
Quarterback Andy Dalton
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during pregame warm ups before the NFC Wild Card Round game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The writing had been on the wall for weeks. At the NFL Combine in February, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan made clear that Dalton’s backup role was no longer secure.
Speaking at his Combine media availability, Morgan told reporters, per NBC Sports: “Andy knows he’s going to have to compete. We are going to try to bring somebody in here. I don’t know who that is, whether through free agency or the draft or both.”
Carolina acted on March 9. The Panthers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.
Pickett, 27, gave Carolina the younger option it wanted behind Young. His arrival made Dalton’s departure a matter of timing, not uncertainty.
Adam Schefter had already reported that multiple teams were calling Carolina about Dalton even before the Pickett deal closed.
Holding out for a pick rather than a cut made sense. The Panthers held seven 2026 draft selections and were actively looking to expand that board.
In 2025, Dalton appeared in four games with one start, completing 25 of 37 passes for 293 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The deal to Philadelphia was confirmed Wednesday by Schefter on X.
Trade: Panthers are trading veteran QB Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick, per sources. pic.twitter.com/8WgURZHSIj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2026
Andy Dalton Heads to Philly, Raising Questions About Tanner McKee’s Role
Kirk Cousins
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) talks to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) and quarterback Andy Dalton (14) after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Eagles currently carry second-year quarterback Tanner McKee as the backup behind Hurts. McKee has been a recurring name in trade discussions this offseason, and Dalton’s arrival only adds to that conversation.
Philadelphia now holds more flexibility around McKee. If he’s moved, Dalton steps into the No. 2 role without a gap in coverage. If McKee stays, the Eagles head into training camp with two experienced quarterbacks behind Hurts.
Dalton signed a two-year extension worth $8 million with Carolina in February 2025, making 2026 the final year of that deal. His incentive to perform goes beyond just staying healthy and ready.
Whatever happens with McKee, Dalton’s value to this roster could increase quickly. The Eagles have paid for backup experience before, and at the price of a late 2027 pick, this one came especially cheap.