Impact on the Saints
Dalton signing with the Falcons largely affects the Saints minimally. New Orleans is not actively pursuing a veteran backup at this point, as Tyler Shough is the starter, with Spencer Rattler behind him and Zach Wilson in the QB3 spot. While some might argue Dalton could be an upgrade, the Saints had ample time to pursue him after his release by another team, and they chose not to pull the trigger.
As for playing this season in Atlanta, that possibility seems unlikely but cannot be entirely ruled out. If Dalton does see action, it would likely be in a backup role behind two injury-prone quarterbacks in the Falcons’ current depth chart. If the depth chart depth were to be tested, Atlanta would presumably not be in serious contention for the NFC South title.
Dalton’s Path Through the Saints
Dalton spent the 2022 NFL season with the Saints, adding to a nine-year run with the Bengals, where he started 133 games. His time with New Orleans marked his third stop after leaving Cincinnati, followed by a stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, where he started nine games, and a tenure with the Chicago Bears in 2021, with six starts.
Dalton led the Saints in 2022 for the majority of the quarterback workload, starting 14 games with a 6-8 record. He completed 66.7% of his passes for 2,871 yards, delivering 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Jameis Winston started three games that season, but Dalton carried most of the workload, with occasional appearances by Taysom Hill.
One notable Saints win from that year was a 39-32 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, where Dalton threw a touchdown to Chris Olave. The game also featured Hill contributing heavily with a 60-yard run and three rushing touchdowns, highlighting a dynamic but injury-prone quarterback room.
Subsequent moves
Dalton then joined the Philadelphia Eagles for the current season, but he was released before Week 5 to allow Tanner McKee to be the clear backup to Jalen Hurts. McKee stepped in after Hurts faced a blood clot issue.
Summary
Dalton’s move to Atlanta adds veteran depth to the Falcons’ quarterback room, while the Saints’ plans at backup quarterback remain unchanged for now. Dalton’s career includes significant time with the Bengals, Saints, Cowboys, and Bears, with a notable 2022 Saints season continuing to be a benchmark of his experience in the league.
