Eagles Release Veteran Quarterback Andy Dalton Ahead of London Game

The Philadelphia Eagles released backup quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday as part of a flurry of roster moves two days before Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Dalton's stay in Philadelphia lasted just over six months. The Eagles acquired the veteran from the Carolina Panthers on March 18 in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, hoping his experience would stabilize the quarterback room behind Jalen Hurts. He won the No. 2 job out of camp over Tanner McKee, but his only regular-season action came in Week 3 at Chicago on Sept. 28, when he entered while Hurts was evaluated for a possible concussion. His lone pass attempt was intercepted in the end zone. Dalton was demoted behind McKee ahead of the Week 4 loss to the Rams, and rookie Cole Payton, a fifth-round pick out of North Dakota State, remains on the roster as a third option. The 38-year-old, who turns 39 on Oct. 29, spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to five consecutive playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015. After one-year stints with the Cowboys, Bears and Saints, he served three seasons as Bryce Young's backup in Carolina. Across 180 games, Dalton has thrown for 39,793 yards with 254 touchdowns, 152 interceptions and three Pro Bowl selections. ESPN reported he could be a candidate to return to Philadelphia via the practice squad. The Eagles (2-2) also ruled out Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Marquise Brown, Drew Kendall and Marcus Epps for the London trip.