The Chicago Bears are not the only team in the league vying for the services of Andy Dalton.
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback appears to be on the trade block.
The Bengals hold the No. 1 overall pick and LSU quarterback Joe Burrow appears to be a lock.
While the Bears were reported on Sunday to be engaged in trade talks for Dalton, two more teams appeared from the shadows.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts could pursue a trade for Dalton.
Bears, Colts and Patriots among potential trade partners for QB Andy Dalton (via @RapSheet)https://t.co/MJOtgOc2hW pic.twitter.com/puwEBlinWU
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 1, 2020
Why Dalton
Owner Jim Irsay said that “all options are on the table” at quarterback and the team is rumored to have interest in Phillip Rivers.
Either way, the team appears to be interested in an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett.
With the Bengals expected to take Burrow, Dalton has become expendable after nine seasons in Cincy.
At 32-years old, Dalton threw for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 13 starts last season.
From our Combine coverage: A look at the Andy Dalton trade market, as the #Bengals work with his agent Jeff Nalley to find a trade partner later in March. Dalton will have options. pic.twitter.com/8TYPwdBUnZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2020
Looking For A Backup
According to Rapoport, the Patriots have interest but have not engaged in negotiations just yet.
“It doesn’t sound like there’s been any hardcore negotiations between teams and the Bengals, but they’re certainly looking at it,” Rapoport said.
Some around the league see the Patriots as a premier landing spot though.
That includes former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, who made an appearance on Sirius XM.
“The guy who’s most ready to play in the Patriots system…would be him”
– Charlie Weis on the rumor (Should Brady not return) that the #Patriots are a potential trade partner for Andy Dalton pic.twitter.com/Qm4s0H3MZY
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) March 2, 2020
Is Dalton Really An Upgrade?
If Dalton was brought into Indy, he would have a shot to lead the Colts’ offense, but is he really that much better?
Brissett, at 27 years old, went 7-8 as the starter last season.
He threw just 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.
In 2018, the Bengals were 6-10, and Dalton threw for 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The year before that, Dalton threw for 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during a 7-9 campaign.
Irsay said that he believes that Brissett can be a quarterback in this league if he has time to develop.
Colts owner Jim Irsay is “open-minded” about the team’s QB situation but high on Jacoby Brissett: “I think that Jacoby is on the rise and you got to give him time to develop.”https://t.co/u21spPHy8p pic.twitter.com/fOyy2HsJrN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 23, 2020
Why would the Colts trade for a similar product and who is five years older?
Dalton was even benched after 13 starts and still could only muster 16 touchdown passes.
His inability to put the ball in the end-zone is a concern and isn’t that a main reason why the Colts want an upgrade?
Final Thoughts
The Colts do not need to waste their time entertaining this trade idea.
Dalton is not an upgrade over Brissett and there are other options.
The team is linked to Rivers in free agency, who is a proven winner and could produce a big year with the offensive line in place in Indy.
There’s also the draft and Utah State quarterback Jordan Love, who has interest in playing for Indy.
Either way, Dalton should be a Plan D option.
NEXT: Frank Reich Reveals His Thoughts On Oregon QB Justin Herbert
