Andy Dalton had a bad season with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. The franchise finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs, though they were top of the NFC South division. He played a minimal role in the campaign, and fans wanted some big changes in the roster.
The Panthers have taken some big decisions, and Dalton is now on his way out of there. He will instead play for the Philadelphia Eagles next season, though many aren’t happy with it.
Panthers trade Andy Dalton to Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired veteran quarterback Dalton from the Panthers on March 18, 2026. In exchange, the Panthers will receive the Eagles’ seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. He signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Panthers in February 2025 that included $6 million fully guaranteed.
Quarterback Andy Dalton
Dec 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Dalton will serve as a backup, with Jalen Hurts the undisputed starter. Hurts has often dealt with injuries previously, and Dalton is there as an insurance policy. The Eagles are also looking to trade or move on from backup Tanner McKee.
The Panthers will also be happy with the deal, as instead of a release, they traded him for a valuable seventh-round pick while also clearing significant cap space. As they traded him before June 1, they will save approximately $2.15 million against the 2026 salary cap, with potential savings rising to around $4 million post-June 1.
With 15 seasons of experience, he has a lot to offer. The 38-year-old has been in decline in the previous seasons. He only appeared in four games, of which he only started one of them, and passed for 293 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Many Eagles fans are criticizing the deal, and feel that it was the wrong decision from the franchise.
Fans mock Andy Dalton trade to Philadelphia Eagles
Many Eagles fans attacked the franchise for giving away a trade pick for an old, backup quarterback.
One user said, “why the fuck did we just give a pick away for nothing 💀💀💀”.
A second user wrote, “Eagles really said “we need a veteran presence” and grabbed the orange haired memelord. This is how you waste a Super Bowl window, by trading for a guy who is 40 years old and washes his car during games.”
A third user replied, “Gotta be one of the Dumbest trades in NFL history. I thought this bum been out the league.”
Another added, “Pointless Vet for a 7th? What a Joke”.
A fifth user remarked, “7th round pick in 2027 for a 38-year-old QB who barely played last year Eagles really said “depth is depth” and hit send”.
A sixth user commented, “What’s this team’s obsession with non mobile QBs?”
Andy Dalton will now prepare for the 2026 NFL season.