NFL Rumors: Saints Quarterback Dalton Could Start Rest of Season

The New Orleans Saints apparently like what they've seen from backup quarterback Andy Dalton. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the team is considering rolling with the veteran indefinitely should he play well in Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

#Saints QB Andy Dalton will make his third start today, with Jameis Winston slated to dress as the backup. As Winston gets back to full health, sounds like there is an opportunity for Dalton to keep starting moving forward with another nice performance today. He's impressed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2022

Dalton has been playing in place of opening-day starter Jameis Winston. Winston has sat the previous two weeks with ankle and back injuries. The Saints stumbled to a 1-2 record through three weeks under the former first-overall pick thanks in part to his negative plays. Winston threw five interceptions, took 11 sacks, and fumbled three times across his three appearances.

Meanwhile, Dalton has led the Saints to a 1-1 record over the past two weeks. The Saints have averaged 32 points and two turnovers per game under the former Bengal. Dalton has only thrown for 408 net yards, but his relatively mistake-free play has served the Saints well.

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

Dalton is best remembered for his nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He threw for 31594 yards and 204 touchdowns for the team and led them to five straight winning seasons to begin his career. He'd been relegated to backup and bridge quarterback duties in the previous two seasons, starting 15 total games for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys.

Dalton hasn't made a playoff appearance since 2014. The Saints must be confident in their surrounding talent if they're willing to sacrifice Winston's potential this early in the season for Dalton's steady if unspectacular play.