Sports · October 19, 2026
Andy Dalton is signing with Falcons after declining return to Eagles
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons after declining an offer to return to the Philadelphia Eagles. Dalton, 38, spent the early part of the season with Philadelphia but was released on October 9. The Eagles sought to re-sign him after starter Jalen Hurts was sidelined with blood clots. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released quarterback Cooper Rush, who struggled in two starts earlier this season. Dalton joins an Atlanta roster that has already utilized four different quarterbacks due to injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Read the original coverage
- Yahoo SportsSports network
Andy Dalton is signing with Falcons after declining return to Eagles
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - ESPNSports network
Sources: Falcons to sign QB Dalton, release QB Rush
Read at ESPN ↗ - NBC SportsSports network
Falcons signing Andy Dalton, cutting Cooper Rush
Read at NBC Sports ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Falcons make quarterback change, signing Andy Dalton and releasing Cooper Rush
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Andy Dalton signing with Falcons after spurning Eagles reunion pitch
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
- The Falcons are releasing Cooper Rush to make room for Dalton.
- Dalton declined an offer to re-sign with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining Atlanta.
- Dalton was released by the Eagles on October 9 after previously being traded to them from Carolina in March.
- Eagles starter Jalen Hurts is currently sidelined due to blood clots.
- The Falcons have played four different quarterbacks so far this season.
Reported by only some outlets
- Dalton threw an interception on his only pass attempt for the Eagles this season.
- Cooper Rush threw two interceptions in each of his two starts for Atlanta this season.
- Michael Penix Jr. is currently recovering from a rib injury and a previous ACL tear.
- Tanner McKee started for the Eagles in their recent loss to the Panthers.
- The Falcons offense averaged 8 points per game (or 16 total points) during Cooper Rush's starts.
Confirmed
- Andy Dalton signing with Atlanta Falcons.
- Cooper Rush released by Falcons.
- Dalton declined Philadelphia Eagles' offer.
- Jalen Hurts sidelined with blood clots.
Reported
- Dalton won the backup job over Tanner McKee in Eagles training camp. (CBS Sports)
- Falcons released Rush per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. (New York Post)
Rumor
- Dalton could become the fifth QB to play for the Falcons if Penix's health issues persist. (NBC Sports)
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