Panthers' Andy Dalton wants to start, embracing mentor role

Carolina Panthers veteran quarterback Andy Dalton wants to start for an NFL franchise but understands his job is to get rookie Bryce Young ready for Week 1. 

"I definitely think that I'm still one of the 32 [best] guys out there," Dalton said about his status among NFL signal-callers while speaking with David Newton of ESPN. "But I know that's not the position I'm in. My whole goal is to kind of be the example and ... not necessarily set the standard but show how it’s supposed to be done." 

The Panthers acquired the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft before it was learned they agreed to a two-year deal with Dalton. Carolina then used the draft's top choice to take Young, and the plan from the beginning of springtime workouts has always been for the 21-year-old to start the season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10. 

Dalton entered offseason practices atop the depth chart and remains in that spot until he hears otherwise from head coach Frank Reich. The 35-year-old who spent the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints can read the writing on the wall but doesn't love the fact it's a matter of when, not if, he'll take a backseat to Young.

"There's just a moment where you’re, 'OK, I know the position that I'm gonna have to step into,'" Dalton explained about eventually becoming Young's primary backup. "But it doesn't necessarily mean that I view myself that way." 

Per ESPN stats, Dalton ended the past regular season ranked 21st among qualified players with a 50.7 adjusted QBR and tied for ninth with a 95.2 passer rating. Across 14 games, he tossed 18 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. 

Dalton is now doing all he can to stay sharp just in case he's needed when the games begin to matter this fall but suggested he could retire the minute he no longer feels he wants "to be the guy" for an organization. The reality of the situation is the days of Dalton being "the guy" for a contender are likely in the past.