Andy Dalton on His Way Out?

Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton arrives at the stadium prior to the AFC wild card playoff game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If the horse of “is Andy Dalton a  suitable quarterback for the Bengals?” has not been beaten to death, it will be soon. Not just because of another article being written about it, but because of recent comments from Cincinnati Bengals Owner, Mike Brown.

According to an article, “Five Questions with Mike Brown” by Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there are reoccurring issues in contract talks between Andy Dalton, the people that represent Andy Dalton, and of course Mike Brown.

“What do we do? Do we sign guys then find out we don’t have enough to do him? Or do we risk and hold back enough to make sure we can get him done and maybe lose a guy or two? That is what happened to us already this year” said Brown.

It would not be unreasonable to assume Brown is talking about the recent losses of OT Anthony Collins and DE Michael Johnson. Both players signed for substantial contract amounts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Free Agency Period.

Another comment from Brown shows that this is not the first time that these issues have arisen with Dalton.

“We are going to try to get something done, but I don’t know if we are going to be able to or not. At some point we are going to have to do something more than just let everyone else leave waiting to get something done with that situation. We held back this year trying to put ourselves in a position to get him done. If it turns out it can’t be made to work we will do something elsewhere. I don’t think we plan to go another year the way we did this year” said Brown.

The comment that should stand out to everyone there is the last one. “I don’t think we plan to go another year the way we did this year.” Obviously Brown, Dalton and Dalton’s people are having issues. Can anyone blame Brown for his questioning though? According to Spotrac.com, Andy Dalton is predicted to sign a contract upward of 90 million. Though Brown is known for being, cheap for lack of another term, he does pay money to his quarterbacks.

The last comments Brown made seemed as if Brown believes a young enough quarterback with talents evenly paid around him can be more effective.

“..or do you try to have as many guys as you can have and maybe a quarterback that is young and not so highly paid? Seattle, for example of that. In fact, you look at the statistics it is rather surprising how few quarterbacks that are old in recent years – saying over 30 – have won the Super Bowl. They’ve gotten there but they haven’t won it. I don’t know, is that a better formula, to go with a younger guy and spread the money around? That’s a dilemma for us” said Brown.

Obviously there is an issue between the two sides. Also it is obviously that Dalton’s inconsistency has had its toll on Brown as well. This is the final year of Dalton’s contract. If Dalton does not put up the kind of year that would deserve 90+ Million (Playoff win (s) / Super Bowl) he may be on his way out. Also if an agreement is not reach by Draft Day, expect to see an attempt at either A.J. McCarron or Aaron Murray.