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The Bengals and their long-time franchise quarterback Andy Dalton have officially parted way. Dalton asked for his release, and Cincinnati did right by their veteran quarterback by agreeing to allow him to hit free agency.
Dalton and the Bengals have been synonymous since the team drafted him in 2011, and starting out his career by leading the team to five straight playoff appearances was something that had many fans excited. He also won over 70 games, whic is very impressive over nine seasons to have that kind of consistency.
The last few years have been especially rough. Cincinnati had an outdated view on how to build a team, and they often allowed talented veterans to walk without properly developing their replacements. This isn’t to say Dalton was innocent of receiving any of the blame, but it was obvious that Dalton wasn’t in the best situation the past few seasons.
Despite enduring plenty of criticism from fans during the rough years after 2015, many fans and analysts gave Dalton a positive sendoff.
All the best for a Bengal great
Bengals fans, beat writers and even analysts from around the nation send Dalton off right. He clearly has gained plenty of respect as being one of the best guys on and off the field for his entire time in Cincinnati.
He has been MY quarterback ever since I became a season ticket holder. I loved having a quarterback with red hair. I'm going to tell my little redheaded nephew all about him some day. His foundation did so much good for families in the area. WE'LL NEVER FORGET YOU, ANDY!
— Jess Conley (@JessEllisConley) April 30, 2020
2/2 pic.twitter.com/zVYJnQsh1o
In closing I’m 100% rooting for Dalton to kill it. You not a real fan if you want him to fail. What he eats doesn’t make me Shit. What the Bengals eat this year is my only menu. #NEWDEY Is officially here.
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) April 30, 2020
AnDy DaLtOn SuCkS pic.twitter.com/z8knJ0dEh4
— KC⚡️ (@GoatJoeBurreaux) April 30, 2020
The Bengals release Andy Dalton after 9 seasons with the team.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 30, 2020
Dalton leaves as the all-time franchise leader in completions (2,757) and passing touchdowns (204). He also ranks 2nd in passing yards (31,594), trailing only former NFL MVP Ken Anderson. pic.twitter.com/4gssrAONuy
Here’s a story that shows you who Andy Dalton really is: pic.twitter.com/uXeHmVyxSd
— CJ Dye (@cjdye20) April 30, 2020
The #Bengals release Andy Dalton. It's easy to be underwhelmed by him, what with his 0-4 playoff record & all. But only 16 #NFL QBs since the '70 merger have won 70 regular-season games in their 1st 9 seasons. Dalton's 24 4Q comebacks are tied for 4th in this group. Lotta HOFers. pic.twitter.com/6XRW44ZsGn
— Dan Daly (@dandalyonsports) April 30, 2020
Don't really need to add more, but I'll say it anyway.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) April 30, 2020
Andy Dalton was a good quarterback that helped the Bengals reached the postseason on many occasions.
But he was a fantastic family man that contributed as much to our community as anyone. He makes our city better.
Wish Andy Dalton and his family all the best This photo was taken the day after losing the opener 20-0 to the ravens and he took the time to sign everything people asked for with a smile on his face top man.. pic.twitter.com/K63k6K0m8p
— Martin Greer (@martingreer73) April 30, 2020
Dalton went on to joke about I should just jump right on the Packers plane in Baltimore instead of returning on the one to Cincinnati. He wished me good luck with whatever was in store for my future endeavors.
— Steven Hudy (@Steven_Hudy) April 30, 2020
It was a small interaction, but it meant a lot to me. pic.twitter.com/DMKCN4sYl3
Andy Dalton is a good dude. He was a good draft pick. We should all wish him the best. It's too bad the Bengals couldn't make a trade work, but that's not worth dwelling on. https://t.co/IzTdGrfDki
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) April 30, 2020
Mike Brown: “Andy will always hold a special place w/ this franchise & I know that he holds a special place in my heart. This is a hard day for our club because we know & appreciate what a consummate professional Andy has always been. We respect & appreciate Andy & we thank him.”
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) April 30, 2020
This duo. est 2011 : @SGdoesit pic.twitter.com/riVE5d3npD
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 30, 2020
Better than any brown QB has ever done https://t.co/PMFdJJ1lQn
— Allen™️ (@CincySolo) April 30, 2020
My favorite thing about @andydalton14 is that he's always been nice. When I talk to my little cousins and they tell me how they love Andy Dalton, I've always been happy about the fact that I knew the guy they looked up to was a good person behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/o7nftobFR4
— Sam Greene (@SGdoesit) April 30, 2020
The biggest Andy Dalton stat you need to know: the Andy and JJ Dalton Foundation has donated millions of dollars to help Cincinnati families, sick children and local hospitals, impacting an estimated 4.9 million people since 2011. pic.twitter.com/xsxz36Uns8
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) April 30, 2020
One of Andy Dalton’s final acts as a Bengal: Calling Joe Burrow to congratulate him and welcome him to the team.
— Elise Jesse WLWT (@EliseJesseTV) April 30, 2020
He’s the epitome of a humble/selfless human being... The man is a different breed.
I’m glad this is finally over. Win win scenario for both parties and gives the locker room over to Joey https://t.co/f2CnTQXQ6N
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 30, 2020
Bengals OC Brian Callahan talked about the respect they had for Andy Dalton during a Draft presser. This gives him a chance to maybe compete for starting QB job or be a great vet back-up. Bengals just couldn’t do it at that price and at times fresh starts are good. https://t.co/GMafUNecGL
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 30, 2020
THANK YOU @andydalton14 !!! For everything you did on and off of the field!! You brought some shine back to this franchise and I for one thank you! I wish you nothing but the best!
— shawn moore (@whodeybaby) April 30, 2020
We you Andy! Thank you for everything, I know you'll be ready for your next chapter. https://t.co/Df5VyLzHV3
— Captain Obvious (@BengalsCaptain) April 30, 2020
I guess I'll say it one last time, I see so much 2019 Ryan Tannehill in 2020 Andy Dalton.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 30, 2020
In the right spot, not hard to see a nice second act coming.
I guess I'll say it one last time, I see so much 2019 Ryan Tannehill in 2020 Andy Dalton.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 30, 2020
In the right spot, not hard to see a nice second act coming.
Bengals officially releasing Andy Dalton... the end of an era.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) April 30, 2020
Let’s try to remember it for the good times. 5 straight playoff appearances. Beating the Seahawks in OT in 2015. A few fun Broncos wins.
Thank you @andydalton14!
Teammates and former Bengals chime in
Many of Dalton’s teammates and several big name Bengals wanted to pay their respects to may end up being a very memorable quarterback for Cincinnati. Obviously, we all wish that Dalton could’ve gotten over the hump, but it is clear by these comments that there was plenty of respect for Dalton’s play. Even some respect from the man whose number he wore.
Thank you Red Rifle @andydalton14 https://t.co/p8C2kDOtYW
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) April 30, 2020
Andy Dalton has represented the city of Cincinnati and the Bengal QB family with class and success both on and off the field. I am proud to call him a friend and wish him nothing but the best of luck. Wherever he goes will be lucky to have him. #whodey
— Ken Anderson (@KenAndersonNFL) April 30, 2020
My thanks to @ericksona86 for zooming to discuss Andy Dalton's release. The #Bengals WR said he always felt like he was in good hands with Dalton in the huddle. @Local12 pic.twitter.com/K4xqxLGbJs
— Jed DeMuesy (@Local12Jed) April 30, 2020
Asked Anthony Munoz if Andy Dalton should be viewed as one of the great ones in #Bengals history.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) April 30, 2020
He mentioned 4 quarterbacks:
Ken - Boomer - Carson - Andy
"If I was Andy Dalton, I'd be walking out with my head held high." #Bengals @fox19
I couldn’t let today go without going back to this I did after our first win last season. I was feeling rather emotional at the time, so my soppy self got the better of me. I know it’s cheesy, but I find it quite fitting....just for today.
— Sam Ainger (@sam_ainger) April 30, 2020
Andy, you’ll be missed! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/V4gsBFCPUR
True Story‼️ Man walked to the back of the plane to offer his seat and made sure I was straight, Nun but respect for bruh @andydalton14 https://t.co/xODN3JNykI
— Auden Tate (@lil_t8te) April 30, 2020
Going to miss #14 in the locker room, a true professional https://t.co/uyidtVF2Hi
— Billy Price (@b_price53) April 30, 2020
Possible destinations
The next question for Dalton is where will he end up? There has already been plenty of quarterback movement this offseason with rookies and veterans being in high supply. There are still some obvious destinations where Dalton can be a backup or possibly step in if a young quarterback doesn’t develop the way they planned.
If the Patriots are going to add a QB, this is it. https://t.co/HSFIUcXuhh
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2020
With no trade market, the #Bengals move on. The #Jaguars and former head coach Jay Gruden as OC are a spot that would make sense. https://t.co/prtlwHAocQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2020
Maybe in Jacksonville with his former OC Jay Gruden and TE Tyler Eifert? https://t.co/iZRDL1KiyE
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 30, 2020
The Bengals are releasing QB Andy Dalton per @AdamSchefter
— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2020
Dalton: 12th highest graded QB in 2018 pic.twitter.com/bhCONIqm7k
Video and GIF reactions
Of course, no twitter roundup would be complete without some of the best GIF and media reactions. Some heartfelt videos mixed in with some comedic GIFs to end the Dalton era right.
Andy Dalton watching the Bengals draft Joe Burrow ... pic.twitter.com/yMLLjuA4cp
— SportsNation (@SportsNation) April 30, 2020
Bill Belichick after doing nothing and seeing the #Bengals just released Andy Dalton pic.twitter.com/Z55MHUjCP8
— DFS Keanu (@FauxKeanu) April 30, 2020
With Andy Dalton’s release, today in a ceremonious sense confirms what last Thursday initiated, we’re entering a new era of #Bengals football, with Joe Burrow at QB. pic.twitter.com/OeVvTYZlTO
— Kevin ❌cCune (@KevinMcCune) April 30, 2020
Any teams need a QB/WR combo player? pic.twitter.com/47Rbe9QooO
— Elite Andy Dalton (@EvilAndyDalton) April 30, 2020
9 years @andydalton14, 9 years of ups and downs and everything in between. You’ve been not only our QB1 but a shining example of our city and it’s people. You and Jordan will be missed from the bottom of this fan bases hearts. Thank you. #Whodey #Fourteen #Cincinnati @Bengals pic.twitter.com/iBvlpYhSgG
— Bengalorian (@thebengalorian) April 30, 2020
One of my favorite memories as a football fan Thank you @andydalton14 #bengals #andydalton #whodey @Bengals pic.twitter.com/rX4MCA2bVk
— Meg Burkhard (@Bengalsmanic) April 30, 2020