Dez Bryant, NFL experts react to Cowboys adding Andy Dalton as Dak Prescott’s backup

The Dallas Cowboys are still negotiating a new contract with QB Dak Prescott and are likely to use the franchise tag on the former Mississippi State star this coming season.

Is Prescott the future of the franchise at the quarterback position or will 2020 be his last season in Dallas?

On Saturday, the Cowboys made waves, agreeing to a contract with former Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton:

#Cowboys are signing QB Andy Dalton, as @AdamSchefter said. Gets $3 million guaranteed and can earn up to $7 million. Mentioned the other day he’d sign quickly but this was extremely quick.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 3, 2020

That, naturally, sent shockwaves through the NFL world. But, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported, the move had nothing to do with Prescott’s future:

Interesting signing to secure a top backup. But… before anyone asks, #Cowboys source says this has nothing to do with Dak Prescott. This is just about Dalton wanting to be back in Dallas and the #Cowboys wanting a strong option in case of injury. Simple. https://t.co/WrXSLdIqZL

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 3, 2020

Though the past couple of years have been rough for Dalton in Cincinnati, he has put together a pretty solid career thus far:

Since 2011, Andy Dalton is just one of SIX QBs in the NFL to accomplish the following:

– 30,000 pass yards
– 200 pass TD
– 70 wins

He now joins the quarterback room in Dallas behind starter Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/qxee4Ptmat

— NFL on CBS ? (@NFLonCBS) May 3, 2020

Former Cowboys star WR Dez Bryant took to Twitter after the Dalton deal, saying the Cowboys need to pay Prescott:

Nothing against Andy dalton because I think he’s a great player..but the cowboys are extremely out of line… Pay Dak… I watched the cowboys pay Tony Twice once without a winning rec… I guess the cowboys viewing the QB position a plug in piece because of the dominant offense

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) May 3, 2020

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler told SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm on Sunday morning that the Cowboys simply felt Dalton was too good of a value to pass up as a backup quarterback (via 247Sports):

“This is the Cowboys’ insurance and veteran play, but it doesn’t affect their negotiations with Dak Prescott,” Fowler said. “They still walked into that $31.4 million franchise tag and talks have been slow but steady. They’ve made some modest progress. They have until July 15 to hammer that out.

“And really, Hannah, I’m told the Cowboys did not plan to go the veteran quarterback route after the draft. They were going to stand pat with the Jameis Winston, Cam Newtons of the world. But when Andy Dalton became available later in the week, they simply saw him as good value. This is a guy who’s well respected around the league. He can start games for you or he can be a trusted backup. They felt it was a win for both sides.”

Other reactions to the Dalton signing were mixed:

So Andy Dalton got released and signed within the last two days. Meanwhile Cam Newton … nevermind

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 3, 2020

Maybe .. just maybe this doesn’t have anything to do with Dak. Maybe there’s a new coach in town who wants a backup to have more than three career pass attempts. It’s crazy the conclusions that are getting drawn here. Just an upgraded insurance policy!

— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) May 3, 2020

The Cowboys' decision to sign Andy Dalton gives rise to this question: Would Dallas now consider rescinding Dak Prescott's $31.4 million franchise tender, making him a free agent at a time when there would be few options elsewhere? https://t.co/Xvm6teuxcV

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 3, 2020

This is certainly a big story in Dallas right now. We’ll see what happens with Prescott and the Cowboys in the coming weeks and months.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.