After another one-and-done playoff run, the Bengals aren't shying away from quarterback Andy Dalton anytime soon. Though the media and fans are howling for a change at QB and/or head coach, Cincinnati is going to keep most of their roster and coaching staff intact for 2015.
And don't expect the Bengals to take a QB at any point in this year's NFL draft. Even the late-round prospects probably won't get much attention by Cincy, per Butch Hobson.
So never mind the first round. Don’t expect a quarterback taken in the other six rounds, either.
The way the coaching staff has spoke of Dalton, they seem to be all-in on the fourth-year veteran heading into the offseason. Then there's rookie fifth-round pick AJ McCarron, who spent most of the year on PUP, but was on the roster the final month of the season.
"AJ was finally getting healthy and looking like himself," Jackson said. "I think all three of them need to have a great offseason and we’ll see where it goes. I know Jason (Campbell). I know what he brings to the table. You always like to have guys back that you’ve been around and know what you’re trying to accomplish. We haven’t had those discussions yet and we’ll get into them as we go."
With Jason Campbell set to become a free agent, it's possible the Bengals go into next season with McCarron as the backup behind Dalton.
"You can see how quickly (McCarron) processes the game and that’s encouraging," QBs coach Ken Zampese said. "AJ has to work on technique, getting the ball out, talking and communicating fast in our offense. I’m looking forward to seeing him with our plays against our defense."