Former Pro Bowl QB named 'wild card' candidate to replace Kirk Cousins

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Former Pro Bowl QB named 'wild card' trade candidate to replace Kirk Cousins

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 10/31/23

In the wake of Kirk Cousins' season-ending Achilles injury, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves short on time to fill their sudden void under center. With the NFL trade deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the typical slew of veteran trade candidates — such as Jameis Winston and Ryan Tannehill — have been floated as potential replacements for Cousins.

Ryan Clark says #Vikings Kirk Cousins was the best quarterback in the NFL before he tore his Achilles.

Clark also added that Jaren Hall won’t be able to fill Kirk’s spot as QB1.

WOW. pic.twitter.com/44aaz1mBsY
— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) October 31, 2023

Another name to keep tabs on is Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Named a "wild card" to be dealt at the deadline by Joseph Person of The Athletic, the three-time Pro Bowler has a robust resume as a starting quarterback in the NFL and ties to the current coaching staff in Minnesota.

"Dalton, 36, is well versed in numerous systems, and Thomas Brown, the Panthers’ offensive coordinator, comes from the McVay tree and worked with (Kevin) O’Connell in Los Angeles," wrote Alec Lewis of The Athletic, who listed Dalton on a short-list of Cousins replacements.

Vikings should be calling about 4 names at QB: Ryan Tannehill, Mac Jones, Andy Dalton and Marcus Mariota
— Mark Ceddia (@Ceddia12) October 30, 2023

Dalton's 38,511 passing yards since 2011 rank 10th in the NFL. Thrust into action earlier this season, Dalton completed 58.6% of his passes for two touchdowns and zero interceptions in place of an injured Bryce Young.

Carolina willingly parting ways with a proven backup such as Dalton would seem counterproductive to Young's development as a franchise quarterback. Plus, given Young's slender frame (listed at 5-foot-10, 204 pounds), it's probably best to have a viable option slotted in as the QB2 in Carolina.

Nevertheless, the Panthers are one of just two one-win teams in the NFL and are squarely in the midst of a rebuild. If a quarterback-needy team such as the Vikings comes calling, the potential of adding future draft capital could outweigh their commitment to Dalton.

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