Falcons Sign Andy Dalton, Cut Cooper Rush: Fantasy Fallout

The Atlanta Falcons are cutting Cooper Rush and signing Andy Dalton, according to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports). Dalton, 38, turned down a return offer from the Eagles to take what the report describes as the best available offer — which turned out to be Atlanta's.

This is the Falcons' fifth quarterback situation of the 2026 season. Per ProFootballTalk, Atlanta has already played Rush, Michael Penix, Jack Strand, and Tua Tagovailoa. Dalton steps in as the backup behind Penix, but the report is blunt: Penix staying healthy is "a pretty big 'if,'" meaning Dalton could see real action sooner rather than later.

Cooper Rush

Rush is off the roster and out of a job — straightforward cut, no corresponding injury, just a depth-chart overhaul. He has no fantasy value anywhere right now. In dynasty leagues, he was a handcuff at best; that value is now gone entirely. Drop or ignore.

Andy Dalton

Dalton is irrelevant in redraft unless Penix goes down, and even then the Falcons' revolving-door QB situation this season is a giant red flag for anyone attached to Atlanta's offense. ProFootballTalk notes Dalton played one game with the Eagles, threw an interception, and got cut — so there's no recent evidence of starter-level play to lean on here. Stash only in deep dynasty leagues where a QB handcuff has roster-spot value, and even then, hold loosely.

The bigger fantasy implication is what this chaos says about Atlanta's skill players. Five QBs in six weeks signals an unstable offense. Fade Falcons pass-catchers in tough matchups until Penix proves he can stay on the field.