Andy Dalton Signs One-Year, $7 Million Contract With Dallas Cowboys

Andy Dalton didn't have to wait long for his next gig.

On Saturday evening, the former Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Dallas Cowboys - where he'll presumably back up Dak Prescott.

ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news.

Dalton's nine-year tenure with the Bengals was practically over once they selected LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with the first overall selection in the 2020 draft.

Cincinnati officially released Dalton on Thursday, which cleared $17.7 million in cap space. Many believed that the three-time Pro Bowler would find a starting gig this offseason, but unfortunately for Dalton, there just weren't many openings available.

The New England Patriots were widely mentioned as a potential suitor for Dalton after losing Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. But head coach Bill Belichick has decided to roll with second-year product Jarrett Stidham.

Many believed the Chicago Bears were a potential fit for Dalton, but they instead acquired Super Bowl LII champion and MVP Nick Foles in a salary-dumping move by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

RELATED: Bengals Release Andy Dalton & Save $17.7 Million In Cap Space

The Carolina Panthers found their new starting quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, while the Bengals, Miami Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa) and Los Angeles Chargers (Justin Herbert) found their signal-callers in the draft.

2015 MVP Cam Newton was released by the Panthers last month, but he still hasn't signed with anybody. 2019 passing yards leader Jameis Winston settled on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, where he'll serve as a backup to Drew Brees (and possibly second-stringer Taysom Hill).

The Cowboys certainly won't trade Prescott, but they do have valuable insurance in case he holds out or gets injured. Dalton could end up getting traded at the 2020 deadline if another team grows desperate for a quarterback. But he's likely going to have to wait until 2021 free agency to earn his next starting job.

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