Falcons Sign Andy Dalton, Release Cooper Rush
The Atlanta Falcons have added veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to the roster.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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The Atlanta Falcons signed 38-year-old quarterback Andy Dalton to the active roster while releasing Cooper Rush. The move comes as the team looks to adjust its lineup during the current season.
Why it matters
The team is seeking to bolster its quarterback room with Dalton, who was available for signing to help improve upon the Falcons' 2-4 start.
Dalton brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Falcons, including career totals of over 39,000 passing yards and 254 touchdowns. The team currently holds a 2-4 record.
The players
Andy Dalton
He is a 38-year-old veteran quarterback with 16 years of NFL experience across multiple franchises.
Cooper Rush
He is an NFL quarterback who was recently released from the Atlanta Falcons roster.
Atlanta Falcons
The professional football team based in Atlanta that currently holds a 2-4 record.
The details
Andy Dalton, who has previously played for the Cowboys, Bears, Bengals, Saints, Panthers, and Eagles, joins the Atlanta squad immediately. The organization opted to cut Cooper Rush to make room for the veteran signing.
Timeline
The Atlanta Falcons host the San Francisco 49ers on October 25, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This roster move follows the NFL mid-season roster management strategy of teams bringing in veteran support during struggling campaigns. It signals an effort to stabilize the quarterback position as the Falcons attempt to overcome their 2-4 start.
Fans should monitor the team's depth chart for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 25. Dalton's arrival provides a new option for the offense as the team attempts to turn around its season.
The takeaway
The addition of a 16-year veteran indicates the team is prioritizing experienced leadership to address their current record. Readers should watch how Dalton integrates into the system ahead of this Sunday's kickoff.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, check out the Atlanta Football section.
Live Poll
Should your local team prioritize veteran acquisitions to improve their standing during the season?
