The Philadelphia Eagles released quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The 38-year-old veteran lost his backup role after Tanner McKee took over the No. 2 quarterback spot on the depth chart, and Philadelphia needed to clear a roster spot ahead of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Dalton was in his first season with the Eagles after the team acquired him in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in March. He had spent the previous three years in Carolina as a depth option.
The Terms Of The Move
The Eagles released Dalton outright, and they could still bring him back on the 53-man roster or practice squad, according to Bleacher Report.
Why The Eagles Release Andy Dalton Now
The timing traces directly to a roster crunch. Right tackle Lane Johnson retired on Tuesday and center Cam Jurgens was traded to the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, according to Bleacher Report. Those two moves, combined with what NBC Sports described as a slew of injuries, left Philadelphia needing to open a spot before Sunday’s trip to London.
McKee was promoted to the No. 2 quarterback spot over Dalton on Sunday. Cole Payton, a fifth-round rookie who has yet to appear in a regular-season game, also sits ahead of Dalton. Tanner McKee and Payton now sit directly behind Hurts on Philadelphia’s depth chart.
Dalton’s Season And Career Background
Dalton’s on-field sample with the Eagles was limited. He went 18-of-35 for 168 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions across three preseason contests. His lone regular-season action came in Week 3, when he threw an interception in the end zone during Philadelphia’s 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Across 16 NFL seasons from 2011 to 2026, Dalton has started 169 games.
What’s Next
The Eagles play the Jaguars on Sunday in London. It remains unclear whether Dalton will return to Philadelphia’s practice squad or sign elsewhere.
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