According to Barry Jackson, the Miami Dolphins explored a trade with the Carolina Panthers for backup quarterback Andy Dalton earlier this season.

Jackson mentions that the Dolphins have a high regard for Dalton’s skill set, leading them to consider a potential trade after starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in September.

While the Panthers decided to retain the veteran Dalton, they eventually relied on him as the starter as they worked to get former No. 1 pick and current starting quarterback Bryce Young back on track.

Additionally, Jackson reports that the Dolphins are interested in bringing back quarterback Tyler Huntley to compete for the backup position next year, a role that is proving increasingly significant in Miami. Dalton is also set to become a free agent, making him a viable target for the Dolphins come March.

At 37, Dalton was a second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2011. He was in the final year of a seven-year, $97.09 million contract that included $17 million guaranteed when Cincinnati decided to part ways with him.

After the draft, Dalton joined the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal as a backup before signing a contract with the Chicago Bears for the 2021 season. However, the Bears soon shifted to rookie Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.

Dalton later signed with the New Orleans Saints for one year before securing a two-year contract with the Panthers last offseason.

This year, Dalton has played in six games, starting five, and has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 989 yards, thrown seven touchdowns, and recorded six interceptions.