Patriots should have Dalton in their sights
Cut by Bengals, veteran QB would be solid fit
The move, not at all unexpected, was officially made late Thursday morning.
The much- anticipated reaction, we imagined seeing by lunch.
Instead, the afternoon passed, and nothing.
What’s taking the New England Patriots so long to sign veteran quarterback Andy Dalton? They’re not as desperate as they look? How can that be?
They’d surely be upgrading at the most important position by signing the 32- year old Dalton, who was cast adrift by the Cincinnati Bengals exactly one week after they made Joe Burrow the first pick of the NFL draft. As it stands their top in- house candidates to replace Tom Brady remain second year-pro Jarrett Stidham, who has thrown four NFL passes, and veteran Brian Hoyer, who probably shouldn’t throw another.
The Bengals saved themselves US$ 17.7 million in cap space by cutting Dalton, and while the Patriots have money issues of their own, Jameis Winston only cost the New Orleans Saints $ 1.1 million. At this point, Dalton wouldn’t be getting more than that.
“Andy will always hold a special place with this franchise, and I know that he holds a special place in my heart,” team president Mike Brown said in a statement. “This is a hard day for our club because we know and appreciate what a consummate professional Andy has always been.”
Almost a decade after he was drafted 35th overall and started all 16 games as rookie — compiling a 9-7 mark with 20 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions — the “Red Rifle” is coming off his worst season. He won just two of his 13 starts while throwing a career- low 16 touchdown passes. Of course, the bad Bengals were without A. J. Green. Their superstar receiver injured an ankle during a practice in July that required “minor surgery” that ultimately ended his season.
Taking him away from Dalton was like having your running back play with just one shoe. Over the last few days, when they were trying to trade Dalton, the Bengals might have pointed out that he had a career 70- 61-2 record and led the Bengals to the playoffs in five straight years. But the Bengals did not win a playoff game in his tenure and his last post- season appearance was in 2014, a 26-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts which saw Dalton complete just 18 of 35 passes for 155 yards.
So yeah, parting with an asset or two to make Dalton your starter doesn’t make a lot of sense when he wasn’t even good enough to hold that job through the 2019 season with the worst team in football. But to be able to scoop him up at no cost off the free agent pile, to serve as a backup or a mentor to a young QB, should be a no-brainer.
A few teams are being mentioned as possible landing spots for Dalton, with the Jacksonville Jaguars topping the list. Their offensive co- ordinator, Jay Gruden, had success with him when coaching in Cincy. Then there’s the New York Jets, who struggled mightily when young Sam Darnold missed three games. And the Denver Broncos, who last month signed Jeff Driskel ( career record, 1-7) to back up Drew Lock.
And Pittsburgh, Seattle, Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams, all of whom could use a cheap and experienced No. 2.
But nobody needs Dalton more than the Patriots. This season doesn’t have to be a writeoff for them. They still have a very strong defence and a couple of pieces on offence. Dalton could be their starter.
Maybe they’ll sign him tomorrow.
❚ EXTRA POINTS: As expected by everyone and their mother, the Chiefs picked up the fifth- year option on Patrick Mahomes, extending his contract through 2021. Any day they could announce they’ve signed their superstar QB to a deal that will keep him in Kansas City for life. On the whole, that’s not a bad place to be … Redskins coach Ron Rivera was asked on Good Morning Football if he had any interest in a reunion with Cam Newton, his QB for nine seasons in Carolina. “I have thought
ABLE TO SCOOP HIM UP AT NO COST OFF THE FREE AGENT PILE.
about it,” said Rivera, noting that he has two young quarterbacks in Dwight Haskins and Kyle Allen. “It’s about the situation and circumstances. I’m not sure if I would do it, I’m not sure if I wouldn’t do it. Again, it depends on circumstances.” What a nice way to say no chance … The Bears have not decided if the will pick up the fifth- year option on Mitch Trubisky. They really should do so before the deadline, Monday at midnight … Chicago did sign veteran WR Ted Ginn Jr. to a one- year deal Thursday. At 35, he can still get down the field rather quickly … The Bears also signed S Tashaun Gipson, formerly of the Texans. He should start alongside free safety Eddie Jackson … The Dolphins have cut DL Taco Charlton, a first round pick of the Cowboys ( 28th overall) in 2017 claimed off waivers last season … A report in The New York Post says the NFL will consider playing Saturday games if the college season is cancelled due to COVID-19 … Rob Gronkowski felt it necessary to explain that he was only “joking” when he said he had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playbook four weeks before they acquired him. “I actually just received my team- issued Surface today from the Bucs and it’s still in the package,” he tweeted. “I’m pumped to open it one day hopefully soon and follow the arrows to learn where to run, too. Gronk run Gronk catch ball. No playbook needed. Hehe.”