The Philadelphia Eagles acquired 38-year-old veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, bolstering depth at the position behind Jalen Hurts. The trade involved sending a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Carolina, according to reports from league sources. The transaction, pending physical exams, took place this Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and is intended to provide additional experience to the Eagles roster ahead of the NFL Draft.
Dalton arrives to form the group of quarterbacks alongside Hurts, the established starter, and Tanner McKee, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The move offers greater flexibility to the Pensilvânia team, especially with McKee being able to be traded for a draft pick or kept on the roster for training camp.
Exchange Details and Immediate Context
The purchase of Dalton represents a low-cost addition to the Eagles. The veteran brings experience from 15 seasons in the league, with spells at Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, Saints and Panthers. Ele has played as a starter on several occasions throughout his career and offers stability in the event of an injury to the main quarterback.
Carolina, in turn, opened up space in the position after hiring Kenny Pickett as a backup to Bryce Young. The trade allows the Panthers to focus on developing younger options behind the starter, aligning with the strategy announced by general manager Dan Morgan.
TRADE: Eagles acquiring QB Andy Dalton from the Panthers for a 2027 7th-round pick. (via@TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/0V3Sr8iBn7
— NFL (@NFL)March 18, 2026
Andy Dalton’s trajectory in the NFL
Dalton was selected in the second round of the 2011 draft by the Bengals, where he remained for nine seasons. Durante during this period, he accumulated 31,594 air yards, 210 touchdowns and 120 interceptions in 133 games as a starter, earning three selections for the Pro Bowl.
After leaving Cincinnati in 2020, he served as a reserve in Dallas, Chicago, and New Orleans. In 2022, he took over the starting Saints team for 14 games after an injury to Jameis Winston. Nos last three years with the Panthers,
Impact on depth of Eagles
The Eagles had Tanner McKee and Sam Howell as reserves for Hurts in the previous season. McKee, 25, has shown potential, but the arrival of Dalton provides an experienced, pressure-tested alternative.
This configuration allows the team to evaluate options in the draft or in future negotiations. Dalton, whose contract expires after 2026, serves as immediate insurance without compromising significant salary cap resources.
History of connections between Dalton and Eagles
The Eagles evaluated Dalton before the 2011 draft, but opted for other players such as Jason Kelce in the sixth round. The current exchange closes a cycle, bringing the quarterback to Filadélfia after years of career with different franchises.
Dalton arrives at a time when the Eagles are looking for stability in the position, especially with high expectations for the main squad. Sua experience as a mentor and reserve can benefit the group’s internal development.
Next steps for the teams involved
Philadelphia gains options for training camp and the 2026 regular season. The presence of Dalton could influence decisions about McKee, opening up possibilities for trades for additional assets before the draft.
Carolina advances with Pickett as Young’s main reserve. Dalton’s departure frees up resources and reinforces the focus on emerging talent in the position.
The deal took place in Estados Unidos local East Coast time, with an announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
