New Bears quarterback Andy Dalton said the team assured him he’d be their starting quarterback for this season, quieting any conversation about them making a second run at trading for Russell Wilson or pursuing another veteran.
Dalton said the promise he’d be the starter “was part of his consideration” in deciding whether to sign a one-year, $10 million deal with the Bears.
“They told me I was the starter — that was one of the reasons why I wanted to come here,” he said. “Every conversation I’ve had has been that, so that’s the assurance that I’ve gotten.”
Dalton started nine seasons for the Bengals before they decided to move on from him at the end of the 2019 season. The Bears could’ve gotten him cheaply in a trade or after he was released, but instead focused on trading for Nick Foles. They gave up a fourth-round pick and committed to him through 2022.
Foles will be the second- or third-string quarterback depending on whether the Bears are able to trade him and if they draft a quarterback.
“I’ve known Nick for a while—Texas guy,” Dalton said. “I’ve talked to Nick. I think it’s gonna be a great working relationship.”
