Open Factory

The Eagles added a well-traveled veteran to the quarterback room Wednesday afternoon, acquiring Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick, a league source confirmed an initial ESPN report.

Dalton, 38, spent the past three seasons with the Panthers, appearing in 13 games (seven starts). He passed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

During the 2023 season, Dalton overlapped with Eagles quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier, the Panthers’ passing game coordinator at the time.

Veteran QB Andy Dalton is the latest to arrive at the “Quarterback Factory” in Philadelphia.

Prior to his three-year stint in Carolina, Dalton had one-year stays with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

The Eagles, never a team known to shy away from strengthening their quarterback contingent, took advantage of an opportunity to bolster the room after losing Sam Howell in free agency. It’s an approach that’s kept the “Quarterback Factory” moniker relevant for years.

Dalton is slated to earn $3.9 million in 2026, a typical pay scale for an accomplished No. 2 quarterback, but a steep investment for a No. 3 quarterback — prompting questions pertaining to the status of Tanner McKee. My understanding is the trade to acquire Dalton isn’t a precursor to moving off of McKee, who still has a year remaining on his rookie contract.

The Eagles also traded for Howell last summer when they already had McKee and draft pick Kyle McCord. The franchise values the position more than most teams and the move for Dalton ensures all bases are covered.

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Dalton 35th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. It was in Cincinnati where Dalton compiled his best seasons, throwing for 25 touchdowns or more on four occasions and twice eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark. For his career, Dalton has totaled 39,793 passing yards and 254 touchdowns and 151 interceptions.

Dalton has appeared in 179 games (169 starts) and owns an 84-83-2 record as a starter.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com