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The Dallas Cowboys pulled off a bit of a surprise when they signed Texas native and longtime Cincinnati Bengals starter Andy Dalton to be their backup quarterback.
Dallas has yet to reach an agreement with Dak Prescott, which figured to be a priority. However, Dalton provides some insurance in the event something goes woefully wrong in negotiations.
Dalton also knows his role, telling the media Prescott is the unquestioned starter.
Cowboys QB controversy?
Andy Dalton tells us: "Dak's the starter on this team."
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) May 6, 2020
Dalton also said he has spoken with Prescott to make introductions, as well as to suggest he will do whatever he can to help Prescott grow as a player and a leader.
Have Andy Dalton and Dak Prescott connected since Andy signed with Cowboys?
Andy says he sent Dak a text to reach out.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) May 6, 2020
Andy told Dak he would help him any way he can as fellow Cowboys QB. Dak let Andy know he appreciated that.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) May 6, 2020
Dalton has quite the resume for a backup quarterback.
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The “Red Rifle” was named to three Pro Bowl teams in nine years with the Bengals, leading Cincinnati to a 70-61-2 record during that span. That includes a tough 2019 in which Dalton was 2-11 as a starter.
Prescott, meanwhile, is coming off the best season of his career. He threw for over 4,900 yards and 30 touchdowns while also averaging a career-high 8.2 yards gained per pass attempt, though the Cowboys missed the playoffs.
Having Andy Dalton on the sidelines should be invaluable for Prescott, pending he reaches an agreement with the team. Stephen Jones insisted a deal would get done prior to the start of the season.
#Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on @1053thefan on Dalton/Dak: “Obviously, it has no bearing on Dak. Dak is the quarterback of our franchise now, and for many years to come. We’ve gotta get his contract—we’ve gotta get over that hurdle. But we’ll do it, it’ll ultimately get done.”
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 6, 2020
Dalton's dismissal of any controversy and decision to reach out to Dak should also assuage any potential fears he might have had with respect to the signing.
In any case, the Cowboys are feeling much stronger about their depth at the quarterback spot, and they will hope Dalton can provide Prescott with a veteran mentor.
