Panthers had competition for Andy Dalton in free agency
Turns out, the “Red Rifle” was in demand this offseason.
In the second episode of “Panthers Blueprint,” which was released on Monday evening, the Carolina Panthers highlighted a few of their key free-agent signings. Among them was veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who apparently had a few teams vying for his services.
When documenting Dalton’s first day in the building, cameras caught head coach Frank Reich admitting to the 35-year-old passer that he was “concerned” about not getting him to Carolina because of “another team” who entered the equation. Vice President of Football Administration Samir Suleiman then confirmed that there were indeed other teams interested in the former three-time Pro Bowler.
But the Panthers got their guy . . . well, their backup guy—ultimately signing Dalton to a two-year, $10 million pact. And for that, they can thank the appeal of their once concerned head coach.
“Frank and I have had a relationship for a while,” Dalton said in the episode. “He’s a big part of why I wanted to be here. I feel like I’ve tried to play for him a couple times—so to finally get this opportunity, I’m really looking forward to it.”
