Falcons Sign Andy Dalton, Reportedly Release Cooper Rush

The Atlanta Falcons are signing veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and releasing Cooper Rush, according to multiple media reports on Monday, October 19. The reported moves would give Atlanta another experienced option at quarterback as the team navigates a challenging start to the 2026 NFL season.

Dalton, who turns 39 on October 29, is set to join his latest NFL team after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month. Rush, meanwhile, is reportedly on his way out after starting Atlanta’s first two games of the season while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continued his recovery from ACL surgery.

The Falcons enter the latest round of roster changes with a 2-4 record. Their quarterback group also includes veteran Tua Tagovailoa and undrafted rookie Jack Strand, leaving the team with several options as it looks to improve its performance for the remainder of the season.

Andy Dalton Set to Join His Seventh NFL Team

Dalton brings extensive NFL experience to Atlanta after spending more than a decade playing for multiple franchises. The veteran quarterback was released by Philadelphia on October 9 after making a brief appearance during the Eagles’ Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Dalton attempted just one pass during that game, and the throw resulted in an interception. It was his only passing attempt of the season before his reported departure from Philadelphia.

Despite the limited action in 2026, Dalton has built a lengthy career that includes starting opportunities with several teams. He spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2011 through 2019, establishing himself as the franchise’s starting quarterback and earning three Pro Bowl selections during that period.

Following his time in Cincinnati, Dalton continued his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles. The reported move to Atlanta would add another chapter to his long NFL journey.

For the Falcons, Dalton’s arrival would provide a quarterback with substantial experience in different offensive systems and familiarity with the demands of an NFL season. His role with the team, however, had not been detailed in the reports announcing the anticipated signing.

Cooper Rush Reportedly Released After Starting Atlanta’s First Two Games

Rush’s reported departure follows a brief stint as Atlanta’s starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2026 campaign. He started the Falcons’ first two games while Penix worked his way back from ACL surgery.

Atlanta lost both contests, falling to the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, recording one touchdown and four interceptions during the season, according to the supplied report.

The numbers reflect a difficult start for the veteran quarterback, who was asked to step into the starting role while the team managed Penix’s recovery. His reported release would open a spot on the roster as Atlanta reshapes its quarterback depth chart.

Rush, 32, spent much of his NFL career as a backup with the Dallas Cowboys. Although he was rarely the team’s first choice at quarterback, he remained an experienced reserve capable of stepping into the lineup when needed.

He also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, making two starts for the team last season. His experience with Dallas and Baltimore gave him a background as a veteran backup before his reported departure from Atlanta.

Falcons Continue Adjusting Their Quarterback Room

The reported signing of Dalton and release of Rush would mark another adjustment to Atlanta’s quarterback group during a season in which the team has struggled to find consistent results.

At 2-4, the Falcons have work to do as they attempt to get their campaign back on track. Quarterback depth remains an important consideration, particularly with Penix returning from a major knee injury and the team balancing immediate needs with longer-term plans.

Dalton’s experience could prove valuable in that environment. Across his NFL career, he has played 180 regular-season games and accumulated thousands of passing yards while serving as a starter for several franchises.

The Falcons also have Tagovailoa, another veteran quarterback, and Strand, an undrafted rookie, on the roster. Their presence gives Atlanta additional options as the coaching staff evaluates its quarterback situation.

However, the reports did not specify whether Dalton would immediately compete for playing time, serve as a backup or take on another role within the quarterback room. His eventual position will depend on Atlanta’s plans and the team’s circumstances moving forward.

Andy Dalton’s Career Numbers and Accomplishments

Dalton enters the reported move to Atlanta with a substantial statistical record. Through 180 regular-season games, he has thrown for 39,793 yards, 254 touchdowns and 152 interceptions.

He has also compiled an 84-83-2 record as a regular-season starter, demonstrating the extensive experience he brings to the Falcons. His three Pro Bowl selections came during his tenure with Cincinnati, where he spent the first nine seasons of his professional career.

Dalton’s time with the Bengals established him as a prominent quarterback in the AFC. He led the team through multiple competitive seasons before moving on to Dallas and subsequently joining several other franchises.

His career has since included a mixture of starting opportunities and backup duties. Although he has not maintained a permanent starting position with his more recent teams, his experience across different organizations has kept him in the league as a veteran quarterback option.

Turning 39 later this month, Dalton would bring age and experience to an Atlanta roster that is working through its own quarterback questions. His career totals offer a clear picture of his longevity, even as his role for the remainder of the 2026 season remains uncertain.

What the Reported Moves Mean for Atlanta

The Falcons’ reported decision to bring in Dalton while releasing Rush suggests a change in the team’s approach to its quarterback depth. Dalton has a much longer history as an NFL starter, while Rush’s experience has largely come as a backup, with limited starting opportunities in recent seasons.

Still, the move alone does not establish how Atlanta will distribute its quarterback responsibilities. Penix’s recovery remains an important factor, and the presence of Tagovailoa means the team has another experienced player available at the position.

Dalton’s ability to adapt to a new team and offensive system could also influence how quickly he becomes involved. Having played for numerous franchises, he has experience adjusting to different environments, but the Falcons’ expectations for him have not been publicly outlined in the supplied reports.

For Rush, the reported release brings his time in Atlanta to an end after two starts. His performance in those games included one touchdown and four interceptions, and he now faces uncertainty about his next NFL opportunity.

As the Falcons look to improve on their 2-4 record, the quarterback changes will be closely watched. Dalton’s veteran presence could provide additional depth, but Atlanta’s longer-term direction at the position will depend on Penix’s recovery, the team’s performance and decisions made by the coaching staff.

Source: Field Level Media, citing multiple media reports. The signing of Andy Dalton and release of Cooper Rush were reported moves as of Monday, October 19.