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Cowboys News: Stephen Jones Compares Andy Dalton to Eagles Signing Nick Foles
May 6, 2020
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones likened the team's addition of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles' signing of Nick Foles in 2017.
Jones discussed bringing in Dalton to serve as the chief reserve behind Dak Prescott during an appearance Wednesday on 1310 The Ticket Radio (via ESPN's Todd Archer).
"To have a guy like Andy Dalton come in here—not unlike what Philly had with Nick Foles when Carson Wentz went down—to be able to take control and win games, win huge games for you if that’s what you need is really important," he said. "Certainly you can lay your head on the pillow better at night knowing you have someone like Andy Dalton."
Dalton spent the past nine years as the Cincinnati Bengals' starter. He was released last week after the team selected Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys after entering free agency.
The 32-year-old Texas native said on the Adam Schefter Podcast (via CBS Dallas) the Cowboys represented the best fit after exploring "several options."
"I wanted to join a high-class organization, a team that's ready to win," he said. "And be with Mike McCarthy, his history with quarterbacks. I think it gives me a chance to come to a new place, a chance to learn, to help Dak out in any way I can and be an asset to this team. I bring a lot of experience and could bring a lot to the table. I'm here to help this team win."
Dalton represents a safety net for the Cowboys with Prescott still unsigned after the team used the franchise tag on him for 2020. He hasn't signed the one-year contract tender associated with the tag with the sides having until July 15 to work out a long-term extension.
Assuming the Prescott situation gets worked out, the 32-year-old TCU product will slide into the Foles role for Dallas.
Foles, a third-round pick in 2012 by Philly, returned to the organization to serve as an insurance policy for Carson Wentz. After Wentz suffered a torn ACL in December 2017, the veteran reserve stepped in and led the Eagles to a triumph in Super Bowl LII.
The Cowboys are in a similar situation where they should be in the midst of a championship window, and with no proven backup options on the roster, they risked letting an entire season slip away if Prescott suffered an injury or if his contract situation carried into the campaign.
Dalton, who ranks 19th among active quarterbacks in career passer rating, provides the team with a solid fall-back plan should things not going according to plan next season.