When Andy Dalton signed with the Carolina Panthers, it was after the team had already acquired the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which he knew they would use on a quarterback. So he knew his role and knew he wouldn’t be the longterm starter in Carolina, but he still thinks he could be.
This week, Andy Dalton revealed that he still thinks he is capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
“I view myself as a starter in this league; I don’t think there are 32 guys better than me,” Dalton told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “But this is the situation I am in, and I understand that. As soon as I don’t think I’m one of the best 32, or a little lower, I’ll be watching football on TV.”
Still, Dalton is happy where he is with the Panthers as he spoke highly of the members of the coaching staff who understand his position.
“I am in a really, really good situation here; Frank Reich played til he was 38. He was a career backup,” Dalton said. “He understands the continuity you want in a [quarterback] room. Josh McCown played until he was 40. Josh was my friend for the last 10 years, and now he’s my coach.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Dalton will ever be a starting quarterback in the NFL again, but for now he’s happy where he is.
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