Falcons Signing QB Andy Dalton

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Falcons are releasing QB Cooper Rush in a corresponding move.

Dalton had numerous teams interested recently after being let go by the Eagles, including a return to Philadelphia following QB Jalen Hurts‘ blood clot issue, which he turned down. Instead, he will head to Atlanta to compete with Tua Tagovailoa to be the backup to Michael Penix Jr. 

Dalton, 38, is a former second-round pick of the Bengals back in 2011. He was entering the final year of his seven-year, $97.09 million contract, which included $17 million guaranteed when Cincinnati cut him loose.

Dalton signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys after the draft as a backup. The Bears later signed Dalton to a contract for the 2021 season as their starter before eventually turning to rookie Justin Fields.

Dalton joined the Saints on a one-year deal before signing a two-year contract with Carolina. The Panthers re-signed him to a two-year, $8 million extension last offseason, and he was traded to Philadelphia this offseason for a 2027 seventh-round pick before being let go in October.

In 2025, Dalton appeared four games with one start for the Panthers. He completed 25 of 37 pass attempts (67.6 percent) for 293 yards, one touchdown and one interception.