Falcons sign QB Andy Dalton and release Cooper Rush
Key Points:
- Andy Dalton has signed with the Atlanta Falcons as the third quarterback on their roster, a move seen as curious given the existing quarterback situation.
- Dalton previously declined an offer to return to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was backup to Jalen Hurts before being released in October.
- The Falcons may view Dalton as an upgrade over their previous backup, Desmond Ridder, and possibly as a competitor for the QB2 spot behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
- Dalton brings extensive experience, having started 139 games and thrown 254 career touchdowns, with his last full-time role in 2022 for the Saints.
- While Dalton's signing adds depth and competition, the expectation is that Penix remains healthy and effective, minimizing Dalton’s playing time in 2026.