With Tom Brady’s future in New England still up in the air, it is worth looking at quarterbacks that could buy some time for Jarrett Stidham to ascend to the role of starter. There are a couple of names in free agency worth looking at. But there’s a trade target, Andy Dalton, who may be the answer. He would be the perfect bridge quarterback should the Patriots transition from Brady.
Dalton threw for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2019. The 3,494 passing yards were his most in a season since 2016. The 16 touchdowns were down from his total of 21 in 2018. However, it is worth noting that the Bengals offensive line struggled in a big way.
Dalton, 32, may be approaching the twilight of his career. Only two years removed from a 25-touchdown season, he does have a recent track record of solid performances. He still has a strong arm, and that hasn’t seemed to disappear with age.
He averages 7.1 yards per pass for his career, and he recorded 6.6 yards per pass just last year. His career-high was 7.3 yards per pass in 2013, and with the right pieces around him, he could get back to that level, which would make him a serviceable, middle-of-the-pack quarterback.
There are questions as to whether he can perform in big moments. In the playoffs, Dalton has a 0-4 record. Throwing for 873 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions, he has a 57.8 passer rating. He may need help from his surrounding cast. Though the Patriots’ skill players underwhelmed in 2019, receivers N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu and Jakobi Meyers may benefit from the another season in the system. Perhaps when the postseason rolls around, they can help elevate Dalton’s play. So, too, could New England’s 2020 offseason additions. Dalton’s contract counts as $17.5 million against the cap in 2020 — that could allow the Patriots to bring in talent (and likely more talent than if they retained Brady). If the Bengals release Dalton, the Patriots could sign him for an even more favorable deal in free agency.
The Patriots offensive line was one of the was one of the best in football last year when it came to not allowing quarterback sacks. They allowed 28 on the year. That was the fourth-least number in football.
For comparisons sake, the Bengals offensive line was tied with the Seattle Seahawks with 48 sacks given up on the season. That was the ninth-most in the National Football League. Dalton would have a bit more to work with in New England on the line than he has had with Cincinnati.
A Dalton-New England pairing is worth thinking about and looking at for the organization. He could be a relatively cheap option to help the Patriots. Especially if Brady decides to leave town, Dalton would be a great filler while Stidham continues to adjust to the professional ranks.
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