Jerod Mayo could bring in Andy Dalton as a veteran QB option.
Amid the New England Patriots’ hire of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, he could draw a former three-time Pro Bowl quarterback of his to Foxborough.
NESN’s Jason Ounpraseuth suggested Andy Dalton as a veteran option for the Patriots since Dalton and Van Pelt worked together with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 and 2019. Dalton is in the twilight of his career after just one start with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, but he could be a “fun” option for Patriots fans as Ounpraseuth pointed out.
“It would make for a fun anecdote to his interesting career, and he can be a capable passer under the right circumstances,” Ounpraseuth wrote. “This is similar to the Mayfield option but with someone much older.”
New England holds the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, so taking a star rookie quarterback is possible. Bringing in an inexpensive veteran such as Dalton makes sense for the Patriots.
“If the rookie quarterback the Patriots were to draft isn’t ready right away, why not throw Dalton out there? Let’s be real, it would take a miraculous offseason for New England to become a contender right away,” Ounpraseuth continued. “The former Bengals quarterback can provide some entertainment following a season where none was found.”
Patriots quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe struggled in 2023 as the two combined for 3,392 yards and 16 touchdowns versus 21 interceptions. Dalton could provide an upgrade over both amid his 13 years of experience and recent completion percentage career high of 66.7% in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints in 14 games.
Ounpraeseuth also listed Jacoby Brissett, Mayfield, and Jeff Driskel as considerations because of their ties to Van Pelt.
Dalton’s veteran leadership could aid a rookie quarterback in Foxborough.
Former Panthers quarterback Jake Luton, who spent two seasons with Dalton between New Orleans and Carolina, said as much. Carolina notably had 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young under center for most of the season.
Luton said Dalton was “sharing stuff with us and his knowledge, having gone through it” in an interview with Panthers.com in 2023. Dalton acknowledged that “I’m here to help the team” and that “this is Bryce’s thing” regarding the 2023 season in the September interview.
Young took his lumps in 16 starts amid 2,877 yards passing and 11 touchdowns versus 10 interceptions. That said, the Saints went 6-8 with Dalton under center the year before, and the Panthers opted to start the rookie almost all season instead.
New England Patriots Eyeing Super-Inexpensive Quarterback
In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots are reportedly considering signing quarterback Jeff Driskel to their roster. Driskel, who made a modest $1 million with the Cleveland Browns last season, could be the perfect fit for the Patriots’ backup quarterback position.
Driskel has previous experience working with Patriots’ quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, having collaborated with him twice in the past. This familiarity could be a key factor in the team’s interest in Driskel.
According to football analyst Ounpraeseuth, signing Driskel would be a smart move for the Patriots. In the event that their season takes a turn for the worse, Driskel’s veteran presence could provide stability and protection for a rookie quarterback.
During his time with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018, Driskel also played under Van Pelt’s guidance. Throughout his career, Driskel has accumulated 2,394 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions in 12 starts.
The Patriots’ potential pursuit of Driskel showcases their commitment to finding cost-effective solutions for their quarterback needs. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.