The Cincinnati Bengals have every intention of moving on from Andy Dalton this offseason, but that does not mean they are going to kick him to the curb with no regard for his future in the NFL.
The Bengals are willing to work with Dalton to facilitate a trade to a team he wants to play for, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. The organization has great respect for Dalton and does not want him to end up in a “bad spot.”
From NFL Now: The #Bengals are willing to work with QB Andy Dalton on a trade, I'm told, a plan that has been communicated to him. This meshes with what exec Duke Tobin told me a few weeks ago that when decisions happen, "I'll be in contact with him." (https://t.co/rrfjo3eYy9) pic.twitter.com/WPr3gb65rV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2020
Another way the Bengals would be able to assure that Dalton gets to choose his next team would be by releasing him, but they could probably get something of value in return for the 32-year-old. If there are multiple teams willing to offer a mid-round draft pick or something along those lines, it makes sense that Cincinnati is willing to let Dalton have some input in where he winds up.
Dalton is entering the final year of his contract and will make $17.5 million in 2020, which is a very reasonable salary for a starting quarterback. There were reports during the season of at least one team being interested in acquiring him, so Dalton has a good shot at earning a starting job somewhere.
