The writing has been on the wall for some time, and it has finally happened. Andy Dalton was released by the Cincinnati Bengals earlier today, and is now free to sign with whomever he chooses. Once considered to be a franchise quarterback, Dalton would bring a Pro Bowl pedigree and playoff experience to whichever team signs him. His days as a surefire starter are likely over, but there are a plethora of teams still in need of a viable backup quarterback. That’s not to say that he couldn’t be a starter somewhere, but the teams that are believed to need starters seem intent on moving forward with what they already have.
Best Landing Spots for Andy Dalton
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots seem to be the popular choice, in the media, for every free agent quarterback here the last few months and with good reason. No one outside of New England seems to be convinced in the duo of Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Hoyer is a career journeyman and Stidham is an uninspiring/unknown commodity at best. Everyone from Cam Newton to Teddy Bridgewater has been projected to New England, but the Patriots seem intent on sticking with what they already have. If signed, Dalton would come in and project to be the day one starter.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Another popular and common choice for free agent quarterbacks, the Jacksonville Jaguars would be wise to give a look at Dalton. The Jaguars are another team that could use some competition in their uninspiring quarterback room. Despite what they might tell you about Gardner Minshew, no one outside of Jacksonville really believes that he is anything more than a stopgap quarterback. Jacksonville is widely projected to be one of the worst teams in the league this season. Dalton wouldn’t do much to change that, but he would be a nice insurance policy if the fans turned on Minshew Mania.
Seattle Seahawks
As of this writing, the Seattle Seahawks currently have Russell Wilson at quarterback and undrafted free agent Anthony Gordon. Seeing as how the Seahawks are a perennial playoff team, bringing in a guy with some playoff experience like Dalton would to them wonders. One of the most important positions on your team is the backup quarterback. If Wilson were to get injured, would you really want the remainder of your season to hinge on an undrafted free agent?
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are another team that is in desperate need of a viable backup quarterback. They chose not to bring back Blake Bortles in the off-season, and now have an unknown commodity in John Wolford as their backup. The Rams are another team with playoff aspirations. If Jared Goff were to go down with injury at any point, then you would be relying on a guy with zero NFL starts to compete in what is the toughest division in the league. Dalton would give the Rams a nice security blanket and a piece of mind as their offensive line play continues to dip in performance year after year.
Honorable Mention: Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants
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