Dalton initially began this season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was released ahead of Week 5. He quickly found a new quarterback room with Atlanta.
Dalton’s time with the Panthers spanned three seasons. He joined Carolina in 2023, the same year Bryce Young was drafted first overall, and he served for three seasons as a mentor to Young. While his on-field playing time with the Panthers wasn’t extensive, he started six games for the team. In 2023, he went 0-1 as a starter, accumulating 361 passing yards across three appearances with two touchdowns. In 2024, Dalton started five games, completing 66.3% of his passes for 989 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. In 2025, he started one of four appearances, throwing for 293 yards on 25-for-37 passing (67.6%), with one touchdown and one interception. Dalton departed in the offseason to join the Eagles. The Panthers replaced him with Kenny Pickett, and the quarterback room also includes athletic rookie Haynes King.
Why the Falcons Signed Dalton
The Falcons released Cooper Rush in conjunction with signing Dalton, signaling a move to bolster quarterback depth and experience. While speculation about other quarterbacks’ statuses may arise, Rush’s departure makes Dalton the likely QB3 behind the team’s top two quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, who both have notable injury histories. Dalton’s addition provides veteran presence and depth should injuries or other issues arise during the season. At 39 years old, Dalton is past his prime, but his familiarity with the league and experience could still prove valuable, particularly if the Panthers or other teams face him in the future.
Follow-up updates and coverage will continue as the Falcons integrate Dalton into their quarterback room.
