Philadelphia Eagles Terminate Contract of Long-Time QB

The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday, ending a short and largely disappointing experiment just days before their Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

The move was confirmed by the team and clears a roster spot for an injury-thinned offense. Dalton, 38, had entered the season as Jalen Hurts’ backup after beating Tanner McKee in a summer competition. He is now a free agent.

McKee returns to the No. 2 role, with rookie Cole Payton as the developmental third quarterback. Reports indicate Dalton could still rejoin the Eagles on the practice squad if he does not find a better opportunity elsewhere.

Philadelphia acquired Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in March for a 2027 seventh-round pick, banking on his familiarity with a West Coast-style offense and his value in the meeting room.

A three-time Pro Bowler with roughly 173 career starts, he spent nine seasons as the Bengals’ starter before stops in Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans and Carolina. The Eagles touted his understanding of the scheme, even as his camp and preseason performance was uneven.

That bet lasted one regular-season pass. In Week 3 against Chicago, Dalton entered while Hurts was being evaluated for a head injury and threw an interception in the end zone. The Bears won 27-7.

Dalton later said he never saw the safety. The following week, coach Nick Sirianni demoted him behind McKee. By Friday, carrying four quarterbacks was a luxury the Eagles could no longer afford.

The timing is not coincidental. Right tackle Lane Johnson retired this week, and the team traded center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens.

Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith are both out against Jacksonville with hamstring injuries, and the offensive line has other absences.

On Friday, the Eagles signed running back Carson Steele and center Jake Majors to the active roster. Cutting Dalton, a vested veteran who does not have to clear waivers, was the cleanest way to make room.

The move is expected to leave the club with roughly $1 million in dead money.

For Dalton, who turns 39 later this month, the release is another late-career crossroads.

Teams in need of an experienced backup could still call, but the end-zone interception and the demotion that followed have defined his time in Philadelphia.

If he never returns, his entire Eagles regular-season résumé will be four snaps and one pick.