The Cincinnati Bengals look like a team ready to move past the Andy Dalton era.
Dalton himself sounds ready for a split too — his agent looked for available trades before the deadline after learning the Bengals would start Ryan Finley for the rest of the season.
With one year left on his deal, Dalton could be a strong trade chip for the Bengals this offseason. Potential return will vary, but these teams could end up wanting to take a one-year rental on him.
Chicago Bears
This was the most common point of speculation before the deadline thanks to the potential contending status of the Bears were it not for the Mitchell Trubisky implosion.
Trubisky, with somehow just five touchdowns and three picks on the year, is likely headed toward getting benched. A potential new coaching staff in Chicago and perhaps winning enough games to not be in range to pick a top passer might mean the front office looks for a veteran like Dalton.
Denver Broncos
John Elway and the Broncos weren’t afraid to go get Joe Flacco, who was largely mediocre as expected before getting injured.
Yet, Denver has already won three games and could scrape up a few more. If the front office there wants another bridge before putting everything on Drew Lock, Dalton for one year would make some sense.
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota has been fully embraced as a bust now, with his job given to Ryan Tannehill.
Maybe the four-win Titans keep chugging along with Tannehill if he finishes the year strong. But that’s a big “if” on its lonesome and seeking out a veteran like Dalton to win now while grooming a rookie for the long term could be Tennessee’s plan.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s only fitting Dalton is a candidate for both Mariota and Jameis Winston’s teams. Bruce Arians liked reviving Carson Palmer so he might like doing the same for Dalton, who would get to play with an uplifting cast featuring Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard. These Buccaneers could be in the hunt for a top passer on draft day, though.
Los Angeles Chargers
This one hinges on Philip Rivers but is something to keep in mind. Rivers will be 38 in December and will help the Chargers win enough games to miss out on top passer prospects. If the Chargers front office wants to keep contending should Rivers hang up the cleats, odds are they’d pay a nice price for a guy like Dalton who could come in and flourish.
