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Falcons to Sign QB Andy Dalton, Release Cooper Rush

Updated: October 19, 2026, 3:09 p.m. WAT

Sources say the Falcons will sign QB Andy Dalton and release Cooper Rush, giving Atlanta a major change in its quarterback room. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport were cited in reports about the expected moves. [web:59][web:67][web:68]

Are the Falcons signing QB Andy Dalton?

The Falcons are expected to sign veteran QB Andy Dalton, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk also reported that multiple sources confirmed Dalton’s move to Atlanta. [web:59][web:66]

Dalton’s exact contract terms and roster designation have not been announced. The Falcons had not yet published the signing on their official 2026 transaction page when it was reviewed. [page:2]

Are the Falcons releasing QB Cooper Rush?

The Falcons are expected to release QB Cooper Rush to create a roster spot for Dalton. The reported move was attributed to Schefter and Rapoport and was also reported by multiple sports outlets. [web:67][web:68]

Atlanta officially signed Rush on July 29, 2026, according to the team’s transaction record. The reported release had not yet appeared on the official Falcons transaction page when checked. [page:2]

Why are the Falcons changing quarterbacks?

The reported move would add a veteran quarterback to Atlanta’s roster while removing Rush from the team. NBC Sports reported that the Falcons have been dealing with changes in their quarterback room. [page:1]

The Falcons have not announced the specific reason for releasing Rush. The team has also not confirmed whether Dalton will become the starter, serve as a backup or be active for the next game.

Will Andy Dalton start for the Falcons?

Dalton’s role has not been announced. Signing with Atlanta would give him an opportunity to compete for a place in the quarterback rotation, but there is no official confirmation that he will start.

The Falcons’ depth chart and game-status announcements should provide more information after the transaction becomes official.

What happens to Cooper Rush?

If Atlanta completes the reported release, Rush will become available for another team to sign, subject to the applicable NFL transaction rules. His next team has not been announced.

Rush joined the Falcons during training camp and was listed in the team’s official transaction history as a July signing. [page:2]

What is confirmed about the Falcons QB move?

The expected Dalton signing and Rush release have been reported by sources identified as Schefter and Rapoport. That provides multiple independent reporter attributions, but the Falcons had not yet posted the move on their official transaction page when reviewed. [web:67][web:68][page:2]

The contract details, official release paperwork, Dalton’s role and the Falcons’ explanation for the change remain unconfirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Falcons signing QB Andy Dalton?

Sources report that the Falcons will sign Andy Dalton, but official team confirmation was pending when checked. [web:59][web:66]

Are the Falcons releasing QB Cooper Rush?

Reports say Atlanta will release Rush to make room for Dalton. The official transaction listing was pending. [web:67][web:68]

Why are the Falcons signing Andy Dalton?

The Falcons have not announced a specific reason. The move would add a veteran quarterback to the roster.

Will Andy Dalton be the Falcons’ starter?

That has not been announced. His role will depend on the team’s official depth chart and coaching decisions.

When did Cooper Rush join the Falcons?

Atlanta’s official transaction record shows that Rush signed with the Falcons on July 29, 2026. [page:2]

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Originally published at Flames Nova