With backup quarterback Andy Dalton out for a few weeks, the Panthers need to find another arm to take reps at camp.
Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton is going to be out for a couple of weeks with a leg injury. That leaves just two healthy quarterbacks on the roster, so head coach Dave Canales has said the team is definitely going to bring in a quarterback to shoulder some of the load in camp and in the preseason.
There are a few different routes the team can go. There are a few free agents out there, young and old, that could be worth a look. There are also a handful of teams around the league with four quarterbacks that could be willing to part with one for minimal compensation.
Free agents
Ben DiNucci: He was a seventh round pick of the Cowboys in 2021 and appeared in three games for the team. He had a propensity to take a lot of sacks, but wasn’t, like, the worst player ever. He led the XFL in passing yards in 2023 then spent all last season on the Broncos practice squad. It also wouldn’t be the first time he’s replaced an injured Andy Dalton. His NFL debut came after Dalton was knocked out of the game as the Cowboys starter.
Blaine Gabbert: It would be a funny callback to the old Gabbert vs Cam Newton debates of 2011. Gabbert is still kicking around as a longtime backup. He’s a decent guy to have in the quarterbacks room and on the practice field.
Kellen Mond: Mond was a third round pick of the Vikings in 2021 but was waived before his second season without ever seeing any meaningful action. He bounced around to stints with the Browns, Colts, and Saints, but hasn’t been able to stick anywhere. He’s clearly struggled to find his footing in the NFL, but a flyer on a relatively recent third round pick is an easy sell.
Michael Hiers: 11th on Chad Reuter’s top undrafted free agent list and second highest still available. He threw 54 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions in his two seasons at Samford, and is apparently a “spunky pocket passer.” If the Panthers elect to take another shot in the dark on a rookie, Hiers might be one of their better bets.
Trade Targets
Dorian Thompson-Robinson: DTR was thrust into a couple of starts he was wholly unprepared for last season, but he’s still an interesting prospect. Unfortunately for him, the Browns don’t seem to have room for him. DeShaun Watson remains the team’s starter, and they signed both Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley to back him up. Unless they release one of the veterans (Huntley), DTR seems like the odd man out. The Panthers could throw a late round pick at the Browns to lure him away.
Bailey Zappe: The Patriots already traded away Mac Jones, and Zappe would probably also welcome a fresh start after a disastrous 2023 season in New England. The team has fully revamped their quarterback room with the additions of Drake Maye, Joe Milton III, and Jacoby Brissett. Zappe seems to be on the outside looking in and could be a good buy low candidate for the Panthers.
Ian Book/Chris Oladokun: Book was drafted by the Saints in the 4th round of the 2021 draft. He was forced into one start late that season due to covid protocols and struggled. He didn’t make the final roster cut the following season. He’s spent time with the Eagles, Patriots, and now Chiefs since being released. Oladokun has spent the last two seasons on the Chiefs practice squad. The Chiefs have Carson Wentz backing up Patrick Mahomes with Book and Oladokun rounding out the depth chart. If the Chiefs intend to keep Wentz, the Panthers could try to poach one of the two young guys for depth of their own.
Someone from the Commanders: The Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels to be their franchise quarterback and signed Marcus Mariota to serve as his backup. They have veteran Jeff Driskel and undrafted free agent and Charlotte native Sam Hartmann as depth. They won’t keep all four quarterbacks, so either one of Driskel or Hartmann would be good gets for the Panthers. Hartmann was arguably the best quarterback to not get drafted in the spring, and Driskel has had some success in spot duty as a backup at the NFL level.