Falcons release veteran quarterback after Andy Dalton signing

Story by

Story by
Falcons release veteran quarterback after Andy Dalton signing

Lou Landers · The Big Lead

Mon, Oct 19, 2026 ·

2 min read

Rush's time in Atlanta comes to an end

NFL: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (13) throws during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Rush originally joined the Falcons as veteran insurance amid uncertainty surrounding Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. He ultimately started Atlanta's first two games of the season while both Penix and Tagovailoa dealt with injuries.

Those two starts did not go particularly well. Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions before eventually moving into an emergency role once Penix returned to the lineup.

Rush's release leaves him searching for another opportunity after spending the previous several seasons as one of the NFL's more experienced backup quarterbacks.

For Atlanta, the decision signals that the organization believes Dalton provides a better option for the remainder of the season.

Andy Dalton gives Falcons another veteran option

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14). Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Dalton brings 16 seasons of NFL experience to Atlanta after spending most of his career as either a starter or veteran backup. The 38-year-old has played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Dalton was released by Philadelphia earlier this month after appearing in just one game and throwing one pass, which was intercepted. He now joins a Falcons quarterback room headlined by Penix, with Tagovailoa also on the roster.

The move could prove important given Atlanta's injury concerns at quarterback. Penix missed the opening two games while recovering from ACL surgery and has also dealt with a rib injury this season, while Tagovailoa has already missed time with an injury.

Dalton is unlikely to immediately challenge Penix for the starting job, but his experience gives Atlanta another proven option if injuries strike again.