Andy Dalton Signs With Falcons, Rejects Eagles Offer

Andy Dalton has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move comes shortly after Dalton was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9.

In a corresponding transaction, the Falcons are releasing Cooper Rush. Dalton reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Eagles, who were looking to bring him back. The Eagles' interest in re-signing Dalton intensified after it was revealed that starting quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the season due to blood clots.

Dalton was traded to Philadelphia from Carolina in March and appeared in one game for the Eagles this season. He entered the game on September 28 against the Chicago Bears when Jalen Hurts was being evaluated for a concussion, completing zero of one pass attempt and throwing an interception.

Philadelphia turned to Tanner McKee for their recent loss to the Carolina Panthers. With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles are exploring their options at quarterback.

The Falcons, meanwhile, have experienced significant quarterback instability this season. Prior to Dalton's signing, Atlanta had already used four different quarterbacks due to injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Rush started the first two games of the season while Penix recovered from a torn ACL sustained last season and Tagovailoa dealt with an oblique issue. During those two starts, the Falcons' offense struggled, scoring a combined 16 points, which was the lowest in the league at the time.

Penix exited the Falcons' Week 5 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a rib injury. Although he played in the subsequent game against the Bears, during which he was sacked five times, he stated postgame that his ribs were not a concern.

Dalton's arrival in Atlanta could see him take the field sooner rather than later should further injury issues arise for the Falcons' quarterback room.