One former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is on the move — and spurned one of Dallas’ hated NFC East rivals in the process.
Former Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton, who started 9 games for Dallas in 2020, signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.
Dalton started the season with the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut on October 9 after an untimely interception against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
“Veteran free-agent QB Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Monday morning.
The Falcons cut another former Cowboys quarterback, Cooper Rush, in a corresponding move.
“Source confirms Falcons are signing QB Andy Dalton and releasing QB Cooper Rush,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Daniel Flick wrote on X.
Andy Dalton Playing in 16th NFL Season
Dalton is in his 16th NFL season and has about $118 million in career earnings, with most of that coming from his time as the Cincinnati Bengals starter from 2011 to 2019.
“Andy Dalton had a few options, including a return to the Eagles,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account. “On his way to Atlanta to join the Falcons.”
By Sunday night, it was clear Dalton was going somewhere—just not back to Philadelphia.
“Cut nine days ago, the Eagles wanted veteran QB Andy Dalton to return,” Pro Football Talk wrote on its official X account. “He declined, and he’ll be signing with another team as soon as tomorrow.”
Dalton Beat Out Tanner McKee for Backup Role
Dalton pulled off a minor upset in training camp by beating out longtime backup Tanner McKee for the spot as Jalen Hurts’ backup — with Hurts now facing a lengthy recovery from a blood clot in his leg the Eagles wanted him back.
“Andy Dalton is officially QB2 in Philadelphia,” The Philly Special’s Anthony DiBona wrote on his official X account on September 13. “Elijah Moore is inactive with Britain Covey elevated to fill the role at punt returner.”
“Eagles QB Tanner McKee is the emergency 3rd QB,” The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena wrote on his official X account. “Suggests Andy Dalton is today’s backup.”
“Andy Dalton will be the Eagles’ No. 2 against the Commanders after a competition with Tanner McKee this summer,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on X.
Ex-Cowboys $118 Million Starting Quarterback Signs With Falcons