It didn't take long for free agent quarterback Andy Dalton to find a new team to call home. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dalton will sign a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys to serve as Dak Prescott's backup.
Former Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton is signing a one-year deal worth up to $7 million that includes $3 million guaranteed with the Dallas Cowboys, source tells ESPN.
Dalton is returning to Texas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2020
Schefter notes that Dalton has Texas ties, as Dallas is where the quarterback calls home. Switching jobs without relocating is but one perk of joining the Cowboys. Another is the $3 million in guarantees he'll get for his one season, with escalators that could take him up to $7 million in compensation for 2020.
New Cowboys’ QB Andy Dalton already owns a home in Dallas and now doesn’t even need to move. His home address won’t change, but his work address now will. To the Star in Frisco.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2020
Dalton was officially released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, one week after the team predictably used its No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to select Joe Burrow, Dalton's successor. No trade offers came down for Dalton — he said it was likely because teams already knew he'd be released after Cincy drafted Burrow — and though a number of other squads were linked to him (such as the Patriots and Jets) Dallas swooped in while the iron was hot.
The Cowboys are still working to sign Prescott to a long-term deal after placing the franchise tag on him earlier this year. But signing Dalton shouldn't affect those negotiations but rather provide a solid insurance policy behind the franchise quarterback should he miss time due to injury. He should also provide valuable mentorship.
In nine seasons with the Bengals, Dalton completed 62 percent of his passes, threw 204 touchdowns to 118 interceptions and helped his team reach the postseason four times, albeit with no wins.
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