Falcons signing Andy Dalton, cutting Cooper Rush

Published October 19, 2026 09:53 AM The Falcons are making a change in their quarterback room.Andy Dalton is signing with Atlanta, and he’ll take up the roster spot the Falcons will open up by cutting Cooper Rush, according to multiple reports.As PFT reported Sunday, Dalton was offered a contract by the Eagles, but he turned them down to sign elsewhere today. Now we know that elsewhere is Atlanta.The 38-year-old Dalton was traded from Carolina to Philadelphia in March and played in one game for the Eagles, throwing an interception while Jalen Hurts was being checked with a concussion. The Eagles cut him shortly after that, but when Hurts had to go on injured reserve with a blood clot, they wanted Dalton back. Dalton had other offers.The best offer came from the Falcons, who have already played four quarterbacks this year: Rush, Michael Penix, Jack Strand and Tua Tagovailoa. If Penix stays healthy, Dalton will stay on the sideline, but that’s a pretty big “if,” and Dalton may just become the fifth quarterback to play for the Falcons this season.