Published October 19, 2026 01:10 PM
Sooner rather than later, new Falcons quarterback Andy Dalton will explain his decision to choose the Falcons over the Eagles and other options.
And, yes, he had other options beyond the Eagles. But the Falcons made the most sense for Dalton.
For now, Dalton arrives as No. 3 on a four-man depth chart. His decision to take the job in Atlanta suggests that he sees a potential path to becoming No. 2.
Before the season, the possibility of cutting Tua Tagovailoa was on the table. But when starter Michael Penix Jr. was not yet ready to play and an oblique injury to Tua three days before the season opener gave Cooper Rush two opportunities to show what he can do, the Falcons knew Rush couldn’t be the primary backup.
Dalton now has the chance to earn the spot that Tua holds. And Dalton’s presence gives the Falcons a seasoned veteran who will embrace the task of helping Penix fully develop. That’s not to say Tua isn’t trying to mentor Penix, but Dalton has played much more football than Tua.
Still, the quickest path to Dalton playing could be in Atlanta. Penix, who suffered a rib injury late in the Week 5 loss to the Ravens and who was back in the medical tent briefly on Sunday against the Bears, has lingering durability issues. If/when Dalton surpasses Tua and if/when Penix is injured, Dalton will be on the field, with a healthy complement of weapons in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
Of course, Dalton could have ended up playing for the Eagles, who cut him due to the roster-management realities of keeping retired right tackle Lane Johnson on the team until June 2027, for cap purposes. Although Tanner McKee had moved past Dalton into the No. 2 spot in Philly, injury to or prolonged ineffectiveness from McKee would have given Dalton a shot.
Both teams, with identical records of 2-4, remain very much alive in divisions that lack powerhouse franchises. The Panthers lead the NFC South at 3-2, and the Giants top the NFC East at 3-2-1.