Which NFL Teams Has Andy Dalton Played For? Exploring the Red Rifle’s Career Arc

Andy Dalton has had a fascinating NFL career, from franchise quarterback for almost a decade to modern-day journeyman. Dalton has seen it and done it all, and he’s now on his fifth NFL team: the Carolina Panthers.

Dalton didn’t acquire the nickname “Red Rifle” for holding a clipboard. The nickname was given to him due to his hair color and arm strength. With Dalton now becoming the Panthers’ starting quarterback in place of Bryce Young, let’s revisit his journey to this point.

Andy Dalton’s Various NFL Stints

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Dalton with the No. 35 overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Bengals selected him due to his skill set and impressive arm talent he displayed during his high school career in Katy, Texas, and his collegiate career at TCU.

The Bengals drafted Dalton to replace Carson Palmer, as the former No. 1 overall pick had recently demanded a trade from Cincinnati. Entering an organization with a QB controversy on their hands can be messy, but Dalton handled the transition well.

Dalton had an impressive rookie season, earning several individual honors from NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October to Pepsi Rookie of the Week following a Week 9 come-from-behind victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Dalton led the Bengals to a 9-7 record and a playoff bid. Cincinnati fell to the Houston Texans, however, 31-10 in the Wild Card round. Still, the future looked bright for the organization.

In Dalton’s sophomore season, Cincinnati took a step forward, finishing 10-6. Unfortunately, they again fell to the Texans on Wild Card Weekend.

That time Andy Dalton threw for 2 TDs, a two-point conversion and ran for a two-point conversion in the final 30 seconds to force OT vs Miami.

Insanity 😳

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/mPpeKsyX6Q

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 3, 2020

In 2013, Dalton’s third season, the Bengals won the AFC North title and clinched their third straight postseason appearance. Unfortunately, the Bengals lost to the San Diego Chargers, exiting the playoffs in the Wild Card round for the third consecutive season.

In 2014, Dalton signed a six-year extension with Cincinnati. The hope was that Dalton would lead the Bengals deeper into the playoffs, but they again fell in the Wild Card round.

Despite having an above-average career with the Bengals, the team could never could get over the hump during Dalton’s tenure.

Dallas Cowboys

In the spring of 2020, Dalton signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Dalton signed with the Cowboys to back up QB Dak Prescott, but an injury ultimately forced him into the lineup.

Dalton replaced Prescott in Week 5 due to an injury and helped spearhead the Cowboys to a 37-34 victory over the New York Giants. Once Dallas ruled Prescott out for the season due to the injury, Dalton was named the starting QB for the remainder of the year.

ANDY DALTON LEADS THE COWBOYS TO VICTORY IN THE FINAL MINUTE 💯

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/1HvCoQ6IUP

— Overtime (@overtime) October 11, 2020

Unfortunately, Dalton suffered some health issues of his own. In Week 7, he sustained a concussion following a late hit. Things continued to spiral for Dalton as he had to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive.

Dalton returned to the Cowboys for their Week 11 tilt against the Minnesota Vikings, and he started for the remainder of the season. For Dalton, the highlight of that season must have been a 30-7 victory over his former team, the Bengals.

Chicago Bears

During the 2021 offseason, Dalton signed with the Chicago Bears for one-year, $10 million. But when the Bears traded up for Ohio State QB Justin Fields during the 2021 NFL Draft, it was apparent that Dalton was the stop-gap option.

Dalton started the first two games of the season for Chicago but injured his knee, and Fields was named the starting QB from that point on.

New Orleans Saints

Ahead of the 2022 season, Dalton signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Most thought he would back up starting QB Jameis Winston, but Dalton ended up starting in Week 4 after injuries to Winston.

Andy Dalton was released by the #Bengals in the 2020 offseason:

Today will be the 3rd time he gets to start against his former team:

2020: Started for the Cowboys
2021: Started for the Bears
2022: Starting for the Saints

He’s won both games so far. Trying to make it 3-0 today. pic.twitter.com/Eq3YCLZdNo

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 16, 2022

Following a Week 7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in which Dalton threw four TD passes, Saints head coach Dennis Allen announced Dalton would be the starting QB for New Orleans for the remainder of the season.

Carolina Panthers

Prior to the 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year contract. The Panthers traded up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Bryce Young, and it seemed that Dalton would be mentoring their franchise QB.

Andy Dalton’s performance at Seattle last year was impressive. Particularly when you consider the crowd noise, the numerous false starts, and consistent pressure he faced.pic.twitter.com/ZfaEufstyC

— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) September 16, 2024

In 2023, Dalton played in three games (including one start), throwing for 361 yards and two touchdowns.

However, after Young struggled mightily as a rookie, his issues continued in his sophomore season. This led head coach Dave Canales to bench Young after just two games. In a move that shocked the football world, Canales named Dalton the team’s starting quarterback moving forward.

Now, at 36 years old, Dalton will have a chance to show that he still has something left in the tank.