FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with their backup quarterback. The Chicago Bears and Andy Dalton have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dalton will have the chance to earn an additional $3 million in incentives.
Dalton spent the 2020 season with the Cowboys on a one-year deal after nine years as the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting quarterback. The 33-year-old was signed to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup but after Prescott suffered a season-ending compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5, Dalton once again took command of the huddle.
In nine starts and 11 games played for Dallas, Dalton compiled 2,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He held a 4-5 record, and his most notable performance came against the rival Philadelphia Eagles where he threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. His 64.9 completion percentage was the second highest of his career.
He missed some time of his own and the Cowboys had a revolving door at quarterback. Dalton suffered a concussion vs. the Washington Football Team and missed a game on concussion protocol. To tack that off, he was then placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list the following week that sidelined him for another game. Dalton dealt with a myriad of symptoms while in quarantine including the loss of his sense of taste and smell.
The red rifle enjoyed being back in Texas where many of his family members are located and near the place that berthed his football career, Texas Christian University. At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Dalton vocalized his desire to find a place to be the starter. Both Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore discussed after the season that Dalton had showcased enough to build a case for the opportunity under center. A fact that was not possible in Dallas with their franchise guy, Dak Prescott, locked into a record-setting four-year extension.
Dalton will have a legitimate chance to start with the Bears in the windy city. Both Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky were provided opportunities to start in 2020 but produced underwhelming performances. Trubisky is now a free agent after the Bears opted not to pick up his fifth-year option. Foles is still on the team’s roster.
Right now, for Dallas, Garrett Gilbert is the club’s primary backup. He had a solid game against the Steelers when Dalton was out. Last year’s seventh-round pick Ben DiNucci is also under contract on the depth chart at QB.
