The Andy Dalton era is likely over for the Cincinnati Bengals. As much as the front office would probably like to keep the veteran around as a mentor for Joe Burrow, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to be a starter in this league.
But moving Dalton is a little more complicated than it probably would be in most years because big names like Philip Rivers, Tom Brady and Cam Newton could be available for quarterback-needy teams.
While Brady doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere, nothing is guaranteed between he and the New England Patriots. A new report says Brady will indeed test free agency.
When it comes to Newton, Ron Rivera is no longer leading the coaching staff for the Carolina Panthers. Newton has said he’s going to be back, but speculation has understandably swirled now that there is a regime change, Newton was hurt last year and he’s in the final year of a deal paying him north of $20 million.
And then there is Rivers. The Los Angeles Chargers just announced he wouldn’t be back with the team after a storied career there. Rivers regressed dramatically last year, but that won’t stop at least one team from going big on him.
Keep in mind this doesn’t even touch on other notable free agents like Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.
Point being, the Bengals might have to be a little more aggressive than they would like in an effort to move Dalton for a good return. How many teams are holding out for a player like Dalton as opposed to Newton, Brady or Rivers?
Impossible to say, but some of those guys only cost a team cap space, whereas Dalton would require surrendering assets if he’s moved via trade.
So while it seems worthwhile to only focus on Burrow and the draft when it comes to quarterbacks this offseason, for Bengals fans, all quarterback news is important news as we seemingly barrel toward one of the more noteworthy free-agency developments for the position in a long time.
How the Bengals navigate it will have a big impact on Dalton’s career, as well as Burrow’s surroundings.
