The Atlanta Falcons have added yet another veteran quarterback, signing Andy Dalton and releasing Cooper Rush from the 53-man roster in a corresponding move on Monday. Rush started the Falcons' first two games of the season and had been serving as the emergency third quarterback.
Even though Michael Penix Jr. is healthy, and both Tua Tagovailoa and Jack Strand are still on the team, the Falcons apparently felt the need to slightly upgrade their QB room with Dalton.
When asked about the team's decision to swap out Rush for Dalton, head coach Kevin Stefanski credited Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham with the move.
"I just think Ian (Cunningham) is always looking at ways that we feel like we can add to the roster and Andy was available, so it
was as simple as that," explained Stefanski. "Obviously, I think the world of Cooper Rush. Really, really, really, really like the person. So disappointed for Coop in that regard, but excited about the opportunity to add Andy."
While Rush was third on the Falcons' depth chart, Strand was clearly the more valuable asset. The undrafted rookie out of MSU-Moorhead is safe, according to the Falcons head coach.
"No," Stefanski answered when asked if Strand would be affected by Dalton's addition in any way.
While Tagovailoa would seem to be locked in as the QB2, Stefanski declined to say what type of role Dalton would play or if he would compete for the backup job.
"At this point, we're just trying to get Andy up to speed," said Stefanski. "He's just learning people's names and learning the system, so all of those types of things, we will work through."
Dalton, 38, has passed for 39,793 yards, 254 touchdowns and 152 interceptions since entering the league as a second-round pick back in 2011. The veteran quarterback has already played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers. He now joins a third NFC South team by signing in Atlanta.
The Falcons will stay at home for another week to host the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kevin Stefanski comments on Falcons signing QB Andy Dalton
