Andy Dalton surprised some people with his decision to sign with the Dallas Cowboys, as the move essentially locks him into a backup role barring an injury to Dak Prescott. However, the veteran quarterback still believed the Cowboys were the right choice at this stage in his career.
Dalton was a guest on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” this week, and he explained his rationale behind signing with Dallas. He cited an opportunity to win while learning under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Andy Dalton on the @AdamSchefter podcast on joining the Cowboys: “This team is ready to win. I felt like it was the best opportunity for this year and hopefully it will set me up for my future. … I feel like there is a lot of good football left for me." pic.twitter.com/JHuqROHR1j
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 5, 2020
If Prescott were to get injured or (though it is unlikely) hold out for a long-term contract extension, Dalton would be in a tremendous situation. The 32-year-old clearly thinks he can start for a team again in the future, and any playing time he might receive in Dallas will be a chance to prove himself.
The best-case scenario for Dalton at this point in the offseason would have been an opportunity to compete for a starting job. Getting beat out by someone like Gardner Minshew in Jacksonville would have been worse for his career than backing up Prescott, so in that sense you can understand why he chose the Cowboys.
Dez Bryant may not agree with the Cowboys bringing in Dalton, but they have secured themselves a reliable backup. The signing could very well work out nicely for both sides.
