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The Cincinnati Bengals, under rookie head coach Zac Taylor, are the last remaining winless team in the NFL. After a shockingly pleasant Week 1 loss to Seattle, things have gone down the drain in the Queen City.
Part of that displeasure is with Andy Dalton’s performance. But, it’s two-sided. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback was upset that he wasn't notified of his benching prior to the 4 pm EST trade deadline back on October 29.
That’s caused a rift between the franchise and their starting quarterback for the past nine seasons. Because of their discontent, the two may be looking to part ways as Dalton enters a contract year in 2020.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported that Dalton is looking forward to an offseason trade.
“Longtime Bengals starter Andy Dalton was forthright in his displeasure with the team for not attempting to trade him before benching him this week, and eagerly anticipates an offseason trade, league sources said. Dalton, the second-highest passer in franchise history who is tied for the Bengals’ record for touchdown passes (197), will have a viable trade market, several GMs said, and should land a second-round pick in return.”
This doesn’t come as a shock.
La Canfora also reported that the Bucs may be the best option to land Dalton. However, with Jameis Winston leading their team, it’s unknown whether or not they would give up a quality pick for Dalton.
It’d be surprising to see the Bengals move on from Dalton yet pay the 31-year-old A.J. Green big money this offseason. However, as we’ve seen with their lack of movement this deadline, the Bengals may value their true superstars more than other teams do.
Nonetheless, this report may also indirectly confirm that, with any type of uncertainty surrounding newly appointed starting quarterback Ryan Finley, the Bengals may easily select their new leader with the top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
It’s a long way out, but it’s certainly a possibility.