The NFL rumor mill is spinning like crazy as the scouting combine draws to a close. Per usual, the quarterback market is the central focus. One name that has drawn lots of attention is Andy Dalton. The 32-year old former Pro Bowler has reached his end with the Cincinnati Bengals. They almost certainly plan to draft LSU star Joe Burrow 1st overall. Most believe the team is motivated to trade Dalton sometime this month.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed this much. The team is working with the quarterback’s agent to help facilitate the process. A big key is that Dalton himself will have a say in where he goes. Rapoport has it on good authority that three teams stand as likely landing spots for him. One being the Indianapolis Colts, another the New England Patriots (if Tom Brady leaves) and finally the Chicago Bears.
Multiple insiders have reported the Bears checked in with the Bengals about such an idea. It makes sense. Chicago is looking for veteran competition for Mitch Trubisky. Dalton fits that profile. The problem is if they have to battle the Colts and/or Patriots for him, that could prove problematic. Both teams have more draft capital and more money to spend than the Bears.
Bears do have one advantage in Andy Dalton pursuit
One thing Chicago does have that those teams do not is location, location, location. The Bears are an NFC team while the Bengals share the AFC with the Patriots and Colts. Would they willingly give either of those playoff contenders help at the most important position? It’s a fair question. Sending him to Chicago gets him out of the conference altogether. Similar to what the Raiders did with Khalil Mack back in 2018.
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Either way, the reality is if the Bengals want to get any decent value in a deal for Dalton they’ll want to have it done before the start of free agency on March 18th. Otherwise, his price will almost certainly drop as teams move to scoop up other options on the market. Maybe the Bears would benefit in waiting to see if another team actually bites.
