The Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Andy Dalton on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and released Cooper Rush to clear a roster spot. The move gives Atlanta a veteran arm behind starter Michael Penix Jr. amid ongoing concerns at the position.
Dalton was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 9 after throwing just one pass this season, an interception. He declined an offer to return to Philadelphia, per NBC Sports, before agreeing to join the Falcons. Rush, who started Atlanta’s first two games, went 22 of 39 for 229 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in two losses.
He had turned down an offer to return to Philadelphia before agreeing to join the Falcons, according to NBC Sports. Rush, meanwhile, exits Atlanta after a rough start as the team’s fill-in starter, going 22 of 39 for 229 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions across two losses.
Why It Happened And What It Means For Atlanta
Michael Penix Jr. has held onto the starting job after a strong Week 6 performance against Chicago, per Sporting News. Tua Tagovailoa struggled in Week 5 when he had to step in after Penix left briefly with an injury, underscoring Atlanta’s shaky quarterback depth. Dalton’s long NFL resume, including stops with the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, gave Atlanta confidence to bring him in as a steadier third option.
The Falcons’ depth chart now reads Penix at QB1, Tagovailoa at QB2, Dalton at QB3 and rookie Jack Strand at QB4. The reshuffling signals Atlanta views Dalton as insurance rather than a threat to Penix’s job, given the injury questions that have followed the position all season.
What’s Next
Atlanta returns to action Sunday against New Orleans in Week 7.
Dalton’s practice schedule and debut timing have not been announced. The Falcons’ quarterback depth remains a concern as the team continues to monitor the health of Penix and Tagovailoa.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
