Building a Backup: Understanding the Bengals Interest in Tom Savage

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

Still, the pundaucracy believes the Bengals should draft a player like Savage to “push Andy Dalton” as early as the second round.  Perhaps over simplifying matters a bit, the financial question mark looming over Dalton this season is too substantial to muddy by turning training camp into a quarterback battle.  He believes he is “the face of the franchise;” the position and a hefty contract are his to win or lose, no additional pressure required.

Another way to look at this is from a hypothetical 2015 offseason.  If Dalton and the Bengals are successful, then a third round QB in 2014 may seem like somewhat of an expensive insurance policy.  More so if the pick does not pan out.  However, if Dalton tanks and the Bengals stumble in 2014, then the chances of a Mettenberger, Murray, or Savage stepping up to start is a discomforting thought.  It’s far more probable that a legit effort to draft a signal caller will come in 2015, either as a replacement to Dalton or his own protégé to groom.