It isn’t often Cincinnati Bengals team president Mike Brown speaks publicly.
But on occasion a momentous event requires it. And given the context of the franchise over the last decade or so, the team cutting longtime starter Andy Dalton is one of those.
Here is Brown’s statement on the Dalton release, courtesy of the team’s official website:
“Andy will always hold a special place with this franchise, and I know that he holds a special place in my heart. This is a hard day for our club because we know and appreciate what a consummate professional Andy has always been. We respect and appreciate Andy, and we thank him.”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor offered the following:
“Andy will always be considered a key member of the Bengals’ organization. His teammates and coaches appreciate his leadership and his commitment to winning. Just as importantly, Andy and his wife JJ are leaving a lasting impact in the community with the incredible work their foundation has done over the years. Andy and his family have meant a lot to this team and this city, and we wish them the best in the future.”
The Bengals announced the move Thursday after Dalton reportedly asked for his release.
Dalton presumably wants a chance to start in the NFL again, which whittles down his potential next stops. As for the Bengals, they cleared his roughly $17 million off the books, making for an interesting cap situation.
