Andy Dalton was released by the Cincinnati Bengals after nine seasons with the franchise.
The move was expected following a 2-14 finish in 2019 that brought the Bengals the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cincinnati drafted Dalton’s replacement, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, with the No. 1 pick last week.
Dalton, 32, started at least 11 games every season with the team since he was drafted in the second round in 2011. He was 204 career touchdown passes and 31,594 passing yards.
Dalton requested his release after being shopped via trade.
The New England Patriots have been linked to Dalton but after not drafting a quarterback, head coach Bill Belichick might be content allowing 2019 fourth-rounder Jarrett Stidham and veteran backup Brian Hoyer to compete for Tom Brady’s old job.
After an 0-8 start last season, Dalton was replaced as Cincinnati’s starting quarterback in October 2019 by first-year coach Zac Taylor. He returned to the starting job when rookie Ryan Finley struggled.
