Photo via Yahoo Sports

Falcons sign QB Andy Dalton and release Cooper Rush

The Atlanta Falcons have made a surprising move in their quarterback depth chart, signing veteran Andy Dalton to a contract while releasing Cooper Rush. Dalton, a 39-year-old free agent who recently declined a return to the Eagles after being cut, will join the Falcons as their third quarterback, adding experience behind starters Michael Penix Jr.

and Tua Tagovailoa. The decision follows a loss to the Chicago Bears and comes amid uncertainty over Penix’s durability, with Dalton’s arrival potentially serving as insurance against further injuries.

Dalton boasts an NFL career spanning 180 games and 139 starts, including a stretch as the Panthers’ starter from 2023 to 2025, where he posted a 66% completion rate and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His signing raises questions about whether he could eventually challenge Tua for the backup role, though his path to playing time remains unclear for now.

Up nextNFL· 2h ago

Ravens trade candidates: Three quarterbacks Baltimore should consider amid injury crisis