It’s hard to imagine Andy Dalton signing as a backup quarterback anywhere in the NFL. That said, is it completely illogical he winds up back in Cincinnati to mentor and shepherd a rookie like Joe Burrow? In a season where Tom Brady is the starter in Tampa, Philip Rivers is the same in Indianapolis, and Cam Newton, a not so long ago league MVP, is also be looking for work, isn’t anything possible?
If not the Bengals, other teams could be looking for a bridge-type of veteran quarterback for a rookie. If the Los Angeles Chargers are thinking of a gap type of situation, Dalton could be that guy. Reportedly, the Chargers say they are set with Tyrod Talyor. That almost seems laughable, especially as they are sitting with the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, and legitimate QB talent will absolutely be available on the board.
What about the NFC East? Doesn’t it feel like the jury is very much out on Dwayne Haskins? With the Panthers having just sent Kyle Allen to the Washington Redskins, the quarterback room in D.C. does not scream ‘settled.’ So, if Washington decides to throw a serious curveball on draft night and take Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama, why not Dalton as the bridge?
Both Los Angeles and Washington look to have real questions at the quarterback position this offseason. Why couldn’t a player like Dalton be used to stabilize an offense as one of those respective organizations tries to figure it out, especially if a rookie is involved or a question looms with someone who still has more questions than answers?
That Dalton is still waiting says a lot about what teams are looking for moving forward. How he fits into that frame of thought is still evolving.