Andy Dalton had a handful of options after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals. Ultimately, he chose to sign a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, where he’ll back up Dak Prescott.
So, why did Dalton choose the ‘Boys?
The veteran quarterback opened up about this topic during an appearance on “The Adam Schefter Podcast.”
Andy Dalton says the Cowboys can ‘set me up for my future’
Speaking with Schefter (h/t Pro Football Talk), Dalton said signing with the Cowboys give him “the best opportunity for this year, and it hopefully sets me up for my future.” He called it “a big-picture plan.”
Dalton said that he had to figure out what his priorities were after being released by Cincinnati. He confirmed that he had “several options” available to him in free agency. His big question that needed to be answered was which team would set him up for the second half of his career.
“After weighing everything, I felt like going to Dallas was going to be the right fit for me this year,” Dalton said. “I’m excited. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.”
Signing a one-year deal means Dalton will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021. He’ll be 33 next offseason, with 10 seasons under his belt. Rather than looking at this as the tail end of his career, he sees this year as “just the next step for me.”
Playing for head coach Mike McCarthy is something that carried a lot of weight.
“I wanted to join a high-class organization and team that’s ready to win and be with Mike McCarthy. His history with quarterbacks gives me a chance to come to a new place, a chance to learn, to help Dak out any way I can, and just be an asset for this team. Obviously, I bring a lot of experience and can bring a lot to the table. I’m here to help this team win and help in any way I can.”
The Cowboys have to be hoping Dalton doesn’t play a single snap for them this season — barring a blowout win scenario. But if for some reason Dak Prescott can’t play, they will be in good hands with the veteran backup.