Andy Dalton “absolutely” wants to play for the Bengals in 2020

When the Bengals decided to play Ryan Finley in favor of Andy Dalton, we saw a frustrated Dalton for the first time in his career. He even went as far as to say that he wanted to pursue trades in the offseason if he wasn’t going to be the starter.

But Dalton won the first game of the Zac Taylor era as the starting quarterback, and how things are different.

According to Pro Football Talk, Dalton says “I want to be the guy.”

Dalton says he “absolutely” wants to return, after having a “different perspective” following his stint on the bench.

“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Dalton said. “I’m just going to do all I can to win the last four games.”

The situation that will unfold is going to be interesting. While Dalton looked a mile ahead of Finley, the Bengals could still get the first pick in the 2020 draft. Whether they draft Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, or another future quarterback, they might just choose to let Dalton’s contract lapse after the 2020 season.

A trade is still not out of the question for Dalton. The Bengals may still try to find a suitor for Dalton to get an extra pick in 2020.

At this point, pretty much anything can happen. But we haven’t lost Dalton, who could be the key to salvaging what’s left of the season.