Falcons Sign Veteran QB Andy Dalton, Release Cooper Rush

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and released backup Cooper Rush on Monday.

Dalton is expected to become a primary alternate to star Tua Tagovailoa, joining him as one of the team’s leading backups alongside starter Michael Penix Jr.

The signing came shortly after the Falcons suffered a 31‑23 defeat to the Chicago Bears.

Dalton, 38 years old, was acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles in March after he struggled with an interception during his sole effort as Jalen Hurts’ backup.

After seven starts across three seasons for the Eagles, Dalton was traded to the Carolina Panthers in March 2018 where he appeared in seven games.

The former Bengals defensive end (actually a quarterback) boasts a storied career: selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Dalton recorded three Pro Bowl appearances over nine seasons with Cincinnati, and also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago and New Orleans Saints.

Statistically, Dalton posted impressive numbers finishing his career at 84‑83‑2 as a starter, completing 62.6 % of his passes for 39,793 yards, 254 touchdowns despite throwing 152 interceptions.

Cooper Rush was at home as Atlanta’s backup throughout the season.

Serving as Penix’s temporary backup due to injuries to Tagovailoa and the Falcons, Rush went 0‑2 in his two start attempts as starter Michael Penix Jr. worked out of the rotation while the team faced the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Source link