Dallas Cowboys rumors this coming offseason will focus heavily on the future of impending free agent quarterback Dak Prescott. However, stopgap starter Andy Dalton has filled in admirably for the injured Prescott and is also slated to become a free agent in March.
Dalton’s career with the Cowboys could very well come to an end after one season depending on the type of interest he receives in free agency. Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones addressed that on Wednesday.
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Cowboys rumors: Team interested in re-signing Andy Dalton
“I think as we’ve gotten better certainly Andy is getting more confidence,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan (h/t the Dallas Morning News). “We’re protecting the ball well. We’re not turning it over. He’s doing a great job, and certainly, we’d love to have him back.”
As noted above, this will depend heavily on the free-agent market for Andy Dalton. Could he potentially find a team willing to give the three-time Pro Bowler a chance to start or compete for a starting job?
The 33-year-old Dalton is completing 64.5% of his passes for 1,549 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in seven starts this season. He’s 3-4 in said starts with other Cowboys quarterbacks posting a combined 2-5 record.
Dalton’s status in Dallas will also depend on where Cowboys rumors relating to Dak Prescott take us this offseason. The quarterback, playing under the franchise tag, suffered a severe ankle injury back in Week 5. Despite this, the Cowboys are seriously considering placing the same tag on Prescott for a second consecutive year.
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Given the team’s salary cap situation, there’s a slight chance Dallas opts to move off Prescott via a trade and go with a cheaper alternative. That’s where Andy Dalton could potentially come into play.
As for the free-agent market at quarterback, there’s not a ton of great options. Cam Newton has struggled terribly in New England. Philip Rivers is slated to return to the Colts. Due to circumstance alone, Dalton could be a hot commodity.
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