Andy Dalton says out loud what everyone already knew, he’s the Cowboys backup QB

When the Dallas Cowboys signed Andy Dalton, it set off some unusual conversations in certain Cowboys circles. Given Dalton’s long pedigree as a starter and the Cowboys issues getting Dak Prescott signed to a long-term contract, wheels started turning. It wasn’t taken over-seriously, but the idea that the Cowboys were plotting something other than the obvious took hold here and there.

Let Andy Dalton set the record straight. He’s here for one purpose only, to be Dak Prescott’s backup.

“My mindset is, I’m going try to be the biggest asset to this team, try to help out this offense, help out Dak, help out everybody as much as I can,” Dalton said on a conference call. “It’s a different perspective for me since I’ve been a starter the last nine years; but I understand the position I’m coming into and the role I’m going to play.”

Dalton even texted Prescott once a deal was reached to let him know he’s here to help and serve as the backup. His contract says it, and so does he. He’ll only see the field because of an injury.

“Dak has played really well,” Dalton said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “I knew the situation I was coming into. . . . Dak is the starter on this team. If for some reason he was to go down, I will be able to step in and help this team.”

That’s the deal, plain and simple.