Dallas Cowboys: Andy Dalton and the Sudden QB Depth

The Dallas Cowboys drafted a developmental quarterback in Ben DiNucci and signed a veteran free agent in Andy Dalton. Suddenly they have more depth than they’ve had in years

The Dallas Cowboys have been busy. They signed Andy Dalton, released Cooper Rush, and kept Ben DiNucci and Clayton Thorson on to compete in camp and possibly groom for the future.

For years, the Dallas Cowboys have gone the cheap route at back-up quarterback. They once had Mark Sanchez and Jon Kitna, but for the most part, they have been extremely thin at the backup quarterback spot. Names more commonly associated with Cowboys have been Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel, Dustin Vaughn, Matt Moore, and Mike White. None have really stuck around unless you count Kellen Moore who would become a coach.

This season the Dallas Cowboys have signed a former 2019 starter in Andy Dalton. Dalton had ups and downs in Cincinnati, but he is far better than anyone behind Dak Prescott from last year. His experience will help the quarterback room, and should Dak miss a game, he can step in and play well enough to keep the Cowboys from imploding. No, Dalton isn’t a threat to take Dak’s job, but he is good enough to play well if he has to.

getting Dalton doesn’t really mean anything regarding the Prescott contract negotiations. What it does mean that the Cowboys have a solid depth chart should Prescott miss any games for any reason.

This is yet another sign of the changes within the Cowboys organization. The new coaching staff is about fitting the scheme to the players, finding quality players not only at starting positions, but throughout the entire depth chart. This year the Cowboys signed more money in free agency than they had the previous three years combined. Certainly a change. With Dak Prescott starting and Andy Dalton backing him up, the only question will be who is the third quarterback.

The Cowboys drafted DiNucci this year in the seventh round and Thorson was a fifth round pick last year by the Eagles. One of them should find themselves on the practice squad.