Eagles reportedly wanted to bring Andy Dalton back but he declined

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 22: Andy Dalton #14 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a pass during the first half of the preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the Philadelphia Eagles looking to add another quarterback in the aftermath of Jalen Hurts' blood clot situation, the team signed Joe Milton III from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad last week.

Milton III was not their first choice.

The team wanted to bring Andy Dalton back to Philly, according to a report from Pro Football Talk. But Dalton politely declined."

Dalton began the 2026 season as Philly's No. 2 quarterback behind Hurts. But he was demoted to No. 3 after throwing an interception in his sole pass attempt as a member of the Eagles. The team then released him on the Friday leading up to the Eagles' Week 5 game. At the time, there was talk that Dalton could return.

But now Dalton has reportedly decided to go elsewhere. PFT says he will join a new team as soon as tomorrow."

It's kinda sad that the Eagles wanted Dalton but couldn't get him.

Then again, it's for the best. Dalton, who turns 39 later this month, looked physically diminished as he struggled during offseason practices and preseason games. And with the Eagles potentially in a lost season, there isn't much value in Dalton playing for this team. He's not good enough to help them in the short-term and he obviously provides no long-term upside.

In Week 6, the Eagles had rookie Cole Payton as their No. 2 and Milton III as their emergency third quarterback. Those guys probably aren't long-term solutions in Philly. But there's a non-zero chance that's the case. Could be interesting to watch them play if they ever get the chance.

The same couldn't be said for seeing Dalton in an Eagles uniform again.