Saints Roster: Realistic expectations for Andy Dalton in 2022
This will be Andy Dalton’s first year on the New Orleans Saints roster. What should be expected of the former TCU gun-slinger?
The New Orleans Saints made a few moves at quarterback this offseason. The first and flashiest move was re-signing Jameis Winston to a two-year deal. Shortly after, however, the Saints inked another signal-caller: Andy Dalton.
Right away it was clear that Dalton was going to be the backup in the Big Easy. This wasn’t his team and he knew that coming in. Winston will be the starter unless injuries take place.
Dalton, a former second-round pick out of TCU in 2011, spent nine years in Cincinnati with the Bengals before that ship sailed. The Bengals drafted LSU legend Joe Burrow No. 1 overall and Dalton’s time in the Queen City was over.
He signed with Dallas that offseason to back up Dak Prescott but ended up starting nine games that year and appearing in two others.
The next year, he joined the Bears as their planned QB1 but Chicago drafted Justin Fields in the first round. Dalton appeared in eight games and started six during his lone year in the Windy City.
Saints Roster: What should fans expect from Andy Dalton in 2022?
The hope is that Dalton barely sees the field except for in blowouts or in a potential meaningless Week 17 game if the Saints are able to clinch a playoff spot before then. It’s never a good sign when the backup quarterback is on the field and it’d be no different in this situation.
It was smart of the Saints to sign Dalton as Winston’s backup. He’s coming off a torn ACL and might take some time getting readjusted under center. That’s why having an experienced vet like Dalton behind him on the depth chart is a solid move for the team.
The realistic expectation is that Dalton appears in a few games and maybe has to start a handful of games if Winston gets banged up at all. If the 34-year-old signal-caller is in more than three or four games, that won’t be good news for the New Orleans Saints.
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