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The future is now for the Cincinnati Bengals, and that future does not involve Andy Dalton being on the roster anymore.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Bengals are willing to work with Dalton on a potential trade and have communicated with Dalton about it.
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
In talking to Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin last month, he made it clear that the organization wanted to do right by their franchise quarterback and not rush the situation of trading him or releasing him. The Bengals handle transitions and transactions in a very conservative manner, and this scenario is no different.
But this confirms multiple writings on the walls. The Bengals will try to get extra draft capital by trading Dalton instead of keeping him around as a mentor/bridge option for Joe Burrow, and they will try to send him to a destination of his preference. The respect ownership has for Dalton is obvious, and even when 2019 didn’t go as planned at all, they will make an honest effort to end their relationship on a positive note.
Will Dalton end up with the Bears? Maybe the Chargers or the Panthers? Maybe even the Patriots? Wherever he goes, the 32-year old quarterback will have some say in the decision.