Andy Dalton contract details with Cowboys revealed..

After Andy Dalton was released from the Cincinnati Bengals after they drafted Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick, many expected the former TCU star to seek a team where he would have a great chance to start. Not so fast.

Enter the Dallas Cowboys, who locked up Dalton to a one-year deal on Saturday night. Dallas currently employs Dak Prescott, whose long term contract negotiations are the subject of a long and heated battle.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport released the contract details of Dalton’s free agent deal with “America’s Team.”

“From last night: More on the #Cowboys signing QB Andy Dalton to a 1-year, $3M base value deal that is worth a max of $7M with incentives,” Rapoport tweeted.

Prior to Dalton, the quarterbacks backing up Prescott were Cooper Rush and Clayton Thorson. Bringing in Dalton provides quality depth in the event of an injury to the former Mississippi State star.

On the surface, it is a curious decision for both sides. Since it is only a one year deal, Dalton can hit free agency in 2021 and have a better chance to sign elsewhere to become a starter again. But, going to the Cowboys means he will sit the bench since the team is committed to Prescott.

However, signing Dalton, from Prescott’s perspective is an interesting choice since his contract has not been extended yet. The subject of Prescott’s contract is an ongoing saga that many debated whether or not he deserved to be the highest paid quarterback. After the extension of fellow NFC East quarterback Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles), it appeared the market was set for Prescott, who asked for more money.

Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is in the camp of Prescott, saying the Cowboys were out of line to give a free agent contract to Dalton while still negotiating with Prescott.

“Nothing against Andy Dalton because I think he’s a great player..but the cowboys are extremely out of line...” Bryant tweeted. “Pay Dak... I watched the cowboys pay Tony Twice once without a winning rec... I guess the cowboys viewing the QB position a plug in piece because of the dominant offense.”

Bryant added that he thinks the Cowboys offense can be successful regardless of who is at the helm because of the weapons surrounding the quarterback, but he believes Prescott has done more than enough to earn a long-term deal.

“The cowboys offense can be special... you can place anybody in that offense if they screw up with that much talent on the field they don’t deserve to play QB.. But Dak is the guy for the position... he earned that…

“I really never seen a QB have to hold out for what is rightfully owed to him....you don’t make your leader and the face of the franchise feel some type of way.”