There is now one less free-agent option at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts to look into this offseason.
The Carolina Panthers are re-signing veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to a two-year deal, the team announced on Tuesday.
Now, whether or not the Colts would have had any interest in bringing in Dalton is an unknown.
What we do know is that general manager Chris Ballard wants to bring in added competition for Anthony Richardson this offseason with the third-year quarterback needing to show he can stay healthy while also being a more consistent passer.
“We knew when we took him it was going to be a roller coaster,” Ballard said of Richardson. “The number one thing we have to figure out and have to work through is he’s got to stay healthy. That, to me, is the biggest question.
“We have to have competition at the position because competition makes you better and because he’s not proven he can stay healthy for 17 games.”
I would imagine the hope internally is that this competition and being pushed on a daily basis helps raise Richardson’s level of play. It’s also not only quarterback where Ballard wants to add competition, but he’s looking to do that throughout the roster this offseason.
Dalton has spent the last two seasons in Carolina. This past year he started five games and completed 66.3% of his passes at 6.2 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns to six interceptions. This included a 319 yard performance in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Before his stint with the Panthers, Dalton spent time with New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas in primarily backup roles, and he was the starter in Cincinnati for nine seasons.
Beyond his play on the field when called upon, the Panthers have also valued the mentorship role Dalton has played with former first round pick Bryce Young.
How the Colts are going to go about adding to the quarterback position this offseason remains to be seen, whether they are going to explore free agency or spend a draft pick on the position.