Report: Cowboys signing Dalton to 1-year deal worth up to $7M

The Dallas Cowboys are signing former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million with $3 million guaranteed, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Cincinnati released Dalton on Thursday, ending his nine-year run with the Bengals after they drafted Joe Burrow first overall.

With few starting opportunities available after free agency and the draft, the Katy, Texas, native opted for a backup role in his home state before likely heading back on the market in 2021.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were looking for a veteran option to pair with sophomore Gardner Minshew, but Dallas lands Dalton as the immediate backup to Dak Prescott.

Dalton enjoyed a stellar four-year college career at TCU, where he led the Horned Frogs to trips to the Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl. He started in all nine of his seasons in Cincinnati until he was benched for three games in 2019 in favor of Ryan Finley.

Both Dalton and Prescott are currently only under contract for the 2020 season. The Cowboys used their franchise tag on Prescott, though he's yet to sign it as both sides continue to work toward a long-term extension.