Overview
- The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Monday, Oct. 19, according to multiple reports.
- Atlanta cleared a 53-man roster spot by releasing Cooper Rush to make room for Dalton.
- Philadelphia tried to re-sign Dalton after Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve with a superficial blood clot, but Dalton 'politely declined,' Pro Football Talk reported.
- Dalton was cut by the Eagles on Oct. 9 after throwing an end-zone interception in his lone 2026 pass and now arrives in Atlanta as a 16-season journeyman expected to serve first as a veteran QB3 and mentor.
- The move underscores how teams lean on experienced, available quarterbacks to steady thin QB rooms under 53-man roster rules and could put Dalton in line for a promotion if Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa face further injury or poor performance.