Dalton briefly started for the Panthers in 2024, finishing with a 989/7/6 passing line in five starts before a car accident left him out long enough for Bryce Young to take the reins again. Young shockingly re-established himself as a starting option going forward down the stretch, leaving Dalton to the backup duties. Over his last five seasons as a backup, Dalton has thrown for 7,906 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 35 starts. He’ll turn 38 in October. He is probably a mid-level backup quarterback at this point in his career, but Dalton is now at an age where a potential regression is firmly in play each season. This is a fine contract for that level of player.

Dalton was involved in a car crash early last week. He was not hospitalized but did suffer a sprained thumb, forcing him to miss Sunday’s game against the Broncos. Bryce Young returned to the lineup with predictably disappointing results. Denver bludgeoned Carolina in a 28-14 win for the Broncos. Dave Canales didn’t commit to a starting quarterback on Monday. If healthy, Dalton will presumably return to the starting lineup. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker will move up the wide receiver rankings with Dalton under center.

Dalton did not practice on Wednesday after being involved in a car crash the day before. He was not taken to the hospital after the incident but was later evaluated by Carolina’s medical staff. Bryce Young will return to the starting lineup after a five-week absence. The time off may have helped Young clear his head after two dreadful starts to open the year, but his physical limitations will still hinder the Panthers’ offense against a punishing Denver defense.

Dalton was involved in a car accident on Tuesday. He was not hospitalized after the incident but was evaluated by the Panthers’ medical staff. There have been reports that he suffered any serious injuries as a result of the crash, so we’ll assume this is a relatively standard day off to allow him to recover from the general soreness of the incident. Should it be more serious, Bryce Young would return to the starting lineup.