Panthers: Andy Dalton Doesn't Think He's a Back-up Caliber Player; 'I'm One of Best 32'

TAMPA, FLORIDA - Andy Dalton (#14) of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo : Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

There are 32 teams in the National Football League, and Andy Dalton believes he is qualified for any team as a starting quarterback.

Dalton is now with the Carolina Panthers after signing a two-year contract. He showed great numbers last season, but his role with his new team might change as the Panthers have Bryce Young designated as its starting QB.

The former starting QB of the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints is ready to accept the new role, but he will not scale down his view of himself.

"I view myself as a starter in this league," Dalton said in an interview with Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"I don't think there are 32 guys better than me."

"But this is the situation I am in, and I understand that. As soon as I don't think I'm one of the best 32, or a little lower, I'll be watching football on TV."

Read more: Baby Gronk Is Not Amusing To Rob Gronkowski Anymore 

Per Pro Football Reference, Dalton's QB record is above league average. He threw down 2,871 yards and 18 touchdowns and recorded only nine interceptions as a starter in 14 games for the New Orleans Saints.

Mentoring Bryce Young

Coach Frank Reich speaks favorably of Dalton and how he handles his reduced but new role in the team.

Reich said the 35-year-old is doing a great job mentoring starting QB Young.

"Bryce has learned from him, not just by listening to him in the meeting room but by watching him," Reich said.

"Anybody who talks to Bryce knows ... he's immediately intellectually your equal. But Andy has a lot of experience, and what I love about Andy is he's not overdoing it."

Related article: Packers' Jaire Alexander Calls Aaron Rodgers Replacement League's 'Best QB'

© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.