Saints sign Dalton to reported 1-year deal

The New Orleans Saints signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, the team announced Tuesday.

They agreed on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million that includes $3 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Dalton spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Bears. He began the campaign as the starter before suffering a knee injury in Week 2, making room for Justin Fields to take over. Dalton eventually started four more games during the season, with Fields sidelined.

The 34-year-old Dalton finished last year with a 63.1% completion rate while passing for 1,515 yards and eight touchdowns against nine interceptions.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who enjoyed his first nine NFL seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals, also had a one-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

Dalton is expected to back up Jameis Winston in New Orleans. Winston, who started seven games for the Saints last season before tearing his ACL, returned to the team this offseason on a two-year contract.

New Orleans' depth chart also features Taysom Hill, who started five games under center in 2021. However, head coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday that Hill will mainly focus on playing tight end in 2022, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

The Saints had to start four different quarterbacks last season.

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