The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on October 9, just weeks before he turns 39. The move leaves the team to reconsider its backup options behind starter Jalen Hurts.
Dalton’s brief 2026 season with the Eagles included a single appearance during their Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears in September. He entered the game in relief of Hurts but threw an interception in the end zone during the second quarter. That remains his only pass attempt this season.
Earlier in the year, Dalton had secured the backup quarterback spot over Tanner McKee, who was inactive for the Eagles’ season opener. Dalton’s preseason performance included a 12-of-19 passing effort for 104 yards and a touchdown in the final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field.
Dalton’s career dates back to his time as the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting quarterback from 2011 to 2019. He ranks second in Bengals history for passing yardage, behind Ken Anderson. After Cincinnati released him in 2020, Dalton played for the Carolina Panthers over the past three seasons, appearing in 13 games. The Panthers traded him to Philadelphia in March for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
In 2024, Dalton started against the Bengals four times, continuing a pattern since his departure from Cincinnati. Outside of football, he was noted in June 2025 for participating in a dodgeball event with the Savannah Bananas at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
Dalton’s release suggests the Eagles are re-evaluating their depth chart at quarterback as they prepare for the rest of the season. The team has yet to announce who will take over as Hurts’ immediate backup.
According to Yahoo Sports.
