Dan Morgan, general manager of the Carolina Panthers, addressed speculation about the team’s quarterback situation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. Morgan responded to reports that other teams might be interested in acquiring backup quarterback Andy Dalton.
“I think it’s the—there’s a potential that somebody may want him,” Morgan said. “Andy’s a really good player, and he’s a great guy, great culture fit for us.
“I haven’t talked to any teams about a trade, but I think if the possibility did come up that I would talk to Andy, give him that option and let him explore a trade.”
Morgan indicated that if Dalton were traded, the team could consider bringing in a younger or more athletic backup behind starting quarterback Bryce Young. “I do think that we want to get a little younger and a little more athletic at that backup quarterback spot,” he said. “So we’ll see what happens from there.”
When asked about potentially trading for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was recently granted permission by his team to seek a trade after injuries and competition affected his career with the Colts, Morgan dismissed the idea. “We’re not trading,” he stated. “I’m not giving away draft picks. We’ve got to build through the draft.”
The Panthers have seven selections in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, including two fifth-round picks.
Morgan also expressed confidence in Bryce Young as the team’s starting quarterback following Young’s strong performance in 2025. “I’m proud of Bryce in general,” Morgan said. “To go through the adversity that he went through and getting benched. I remember him sitting in my office and talking to him about, like, ‘Hey, you’re eventually going to be back out there, just take this in stride, try to go out there, just keep working hard.’
“And he went out there, he worked hard, he put the work in, and I’m just so proud of him for doing that.”
In addition to developments with quarterbacks, prospects preparing for the NFL Draft discussed their experiences and influences at this week’s event.
Chandler Rivers reflected on achieving his goal of winning an ACC Championship with Duke before moving on to professional football. Rivers highlighted his commitment to staying with his teammates throughout college despite opportunities elsewhere: “It felt good coming back for my senior year with the guys that I came in with…that was just a common goal when we first all came in as true freshmen to win the ACC and we ended up doing it on the way out…That meant everything to stay with them guys.”
Rivers also spoke about learning from Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn: “I like watching him because I feel like he’s a technician…I pride myself on being a technician, being detailed…”
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane named Horn among his top five corners currently playing in the NFL: “Quinyon Mitchell…I’ll say Pat Surtain, Derek Stingley, Devin Witherspoon, and Jaycee Horn.” Delane praised Horn’s approach: “I think his press technique…he lurks well in cover 3…just in his ability to (cover) receivers.” Delane expressed interest in learning from experienced players like Horn and Mike Jackson.
Delane noted teams have asked about his willingness to play both inside and outside positions: “They’re asking me am I willing to play inside, willing to play outside…Playing inside…you have to kind of know where your help is…”
South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore discussed conversations with teams regarding his defensive skills and versatility as a four-sport athlete. Kilgore finished last season with 54 tackles along with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He plans full participation during workouts: “I feel like in all of them, I’m going to be able to show my speed…So I’m just ready to go out there and perform…” Kilgore also mentioned discussing special teams roles such as punt returning.
The Carolina Panthers have achieved multiple division titles and playoff appearances while building their presence across North and South Carolina through community outreach efforts (official website). The organization plays its home games at Bank of America Stadium located in downtown Charlotte (official website), provides various ticketing options for fans (official website), emphasizes championship culture (official website), and supports philanthropy initiatives throughout both states (official website).
