The Saints were in the market for a veteran backup quarterback, and they landed exactly that Tuesday morning.
New Orleans has agreed to terms with Andy Dalton on a 1-year deal, according to a report from the NFL Network. The deal comes with $3 million guaranteed, and could be up to $6 million with incentives.
Dalton, who has played for three different teams over the past three seasons -- the Bengals, Cowboys and Bears -- will likely serve in a similar role to Trevor Siemian the past two seasons, with the former Saints backup landing a deal with the Chicago Bears.
Dalton won't be expected to compete for a starting job, but could serve a crucial role as was demonstrated during the 2021 season. Jameis Winston was re-signed to be the starting quarterback this week and new head coach Dennis Allen has confirmed that Taysom Hill will focus on tight end. That means one of either Ian Book or Dalton will serve in the game-day backup role, and would be depended upon to play if the starter was injured. That was the case in 6 games of the 2021 season, with Siemian coming on in relief twice and starting four games.
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Dalton began his career in 2011 with the Bengals, where he spent his first 9 NFL seasons. In his career he's completed 3,122 passes for 35,279 yards and 226 touchdowns. Dalton started six games a season ago, completing 216 passes for 2,170 yards and 14 TDs.