Andy Dalton not signing with Patriots, heading to Dallas instead

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The Andy Dalton-to-New England talk is officially over.

The Dallas Cowboys have signed the former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback to a one-year, $7 million deal with $3 million guaranteed, according to reports. ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report the deal. 

Former Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton is signing a one-year deal worth up to $7 million that includes $3 million guaranteed with the Dallas Cowboys, source tells ESPN.Dalton is returning to Texas.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2020

After being released from the Bengals following the team's selection of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, Dalton goes to the Cowboys to back up current incumbent Dak Prescott next season. 

Already a Dallas resident previous to his signing, Dalton has a 70-61-2 record as a starter and took the Bengals to the playoffs in four consecutive seasons from 2011-2014, though he was never able to lead them to a playoff victory. 

In those playoff games, Dalton threw for 873 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions. 

With Dalton now signed, the Cowboys have their backup quarterback situation set heading into next season, and can now focus on building out the remaining sections of their roster.