Cowboys sign Andy Dalton: 3 ripple effects to keep an eye on

The Dallas Cowboys came out of nowhere and signed Andy Dalton, so what are the ripple effects of the move?

Since being cut on Thursday, a few suitors seemed possible for Andy Dalton. The Dallas Cowboys were not one of them on anyone’s radar, but the news of a one-year deal with him to come in and back up Dak Prescott came Saturday night.

Dalton is a Texas native and played collegiately at TCU, so signing with Dallas is a homecoming for him. But barring something unforeseen with Prescott’s contract situation in the coming months, or an injury in-season, there is not an opportunity to start for the Cowboys. Dalton has essentially taken the same path Jameis Winston did in signing with the New Orleans Saints.

For teams still possibly in the market for a quarterback, Dalton stood instantly as a viable veteran backup. The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers made sense as possible landing spots, before the Cowboys came out of nowhere to land him and upgrade their own backup situation.

So what are the ripple effects of Dalton landing in Dallas?

1. The Patriots Are Indeed Going With Jarrett Stidham

The idea of Dalton to the Patriots has lingered as a possibility through the offseason, and it naturally picked up new steam after they didn’t draft a quarterback and he was cut. But New England never seemed to show substantial interest, and now it feels certain Bill Belichick is all-in on Stidham as Tom Brady’s immediate successor.

2. Cam Newton’s Theoretical Best Options Still Remain

Newton now clearly stands as the best quarterback available, health concerns and all. Dallas may have considered taking a flier on him, but if they did they shifted to Dalton quickly. For Newton, the Jaguars, the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams are potential fits and are still on the table. He should be the next veteran signal caller to take the path paved by Winston. However, the Patriots do linger as a remote possibility for the former league MVP.

3. The Cowboys Have Opened Up Options

It’s incredibly unlikely to happen, but the Cowboys could immediately part ways with Prescott now. He has yet to sign his franchise tender, so the Cowboys could now think about rescinding the tag and going with Dalton as their starting quarterback in 2020. The idea of trading Prescott, on the idea he signs the tender, is also a remote option that’s on the table.