The Facts: Veteran free-agent QB Dalton is expected to reach agreement on a two-year, $10 million deal that includes $8 million fully guaranteed with the Carolina Panthers, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Diehards Line: The contract has a max value of $17 million. The Panthers just traded for the first pick overall and are all but certain to use that pick on a quarterback. Dalton could be asked to work as a bridge until that rookie is ready to start -- or as a backup if that newcomer is ready to roll from the outset. The 35-year-old Dalton played for the Saints, Bears and Cowboys the last three seasons after playing his first nine NFL seasons with the Bengals. Last year in New Orleans he started 14 games, and had a career-high 66.7 percent completion rate, with 18 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.