Report: Bengals shopped QB Andy Dalton to Jags, Patriots before they parted ways with him

While veteran quarterback Andy Dalton ended up signing with the Dallas Cowboys (of his native state), the Cincinnati Bengals at least gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a shot to trade for him before he was released, according to Sports Illustrated’s …

While veteran quarterback Andy Dalton ended up signing with the Dallas Cowboys (of his native state), the Cincinnati Bengals at least gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a shot to trade for him before he was released, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

They also attempted to trade him to another suitor in the New England Patriots to no avail.

That said, how this went should further color where the Jaguars and Patriots are at the position. Cincinnati shopped Dalton to both, and neither showed much interest. And that—after his release detached him from the $17 million base that made him impossible for the Bengals to keep—neither wound up with him, despite both teams offering a clearer path to playing time, and despite Dallas only having to pay $3 million in base to get him, should say what you need to know about where they stand.

Dalton’s connection to the Jags and Patriots had been a thing for a while as most expected he’d be released or traded due to the Bengals having dibs on Louisiana State quarterback Joe Burrow. NFL insider Ian Rapoport even spoke with Jags Wire on the matter back in early April, stating that the Jags were interested in the veteran.

Simply put, the Jags, Patriots, or any other suitor weren’t going to take on Dalton’s price tag under the Bengals and simply preferred to get him at a cheaper rate, especially if it was questionable that he’d start. That gamble proved to be right as Dalton will earn $3 million, significantly less than he would’ve if acquired by trade, however, it also bit the Jags and Pats on the butt because it allowed another team to swoop in.

Andy Dalton signs with Cowboys

Andy Dalton won’t be joining the Jags after many reported they were interested in him. Instead, he’ll be going back to his home state.

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Despite all of the reported interest in Andy Dalton, the veteran won’t be joining the Jacksonville Jaguars and his former offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Instead, he’ll be going back to his home state, Texas, to join the Dallas Cowboys.

Per Adam Schefter, his deal is one that will guarantee $3 million and allows him the opportunity to make up to $7 million.

Dalton is from Katy, roughly three hours and 30 minutes away from Dallas. He attended the University of Texas Christian as a collegiate player where he finished his career as the winningest quarterback in the history of the program (with 41 wins).

Now, he’ll join the Cowboys who appear to have a franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott who is in the process of trying to get a long-term deal with the team. However, if he isn’t ready to see the field Week 1, Dalton gives them a respectable signal-caller who is a three-time Pro Bowler. Statistically, he’ll enter his run with the Cowboys with a 62% career completion rate (2,757-of-4,449) for 31,594 yards, 118 interceptions, and 204 touchdowns.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Jags had been eying Dalton before the draft with many speculating that the team would release him. Most tend to think it was for a backup role behind Gardner Minshew II and his decision to sign with Dallas might be proof of that. Now, the Jags will have to go back to the drawing boards if they aren’t fine with Joshua Dobbs and rookie Jake Luton behind Minshew.

Reports: Jags have ‘legitimate interest’ in Andy Dalton, Patriots eying him as well

The Jags could use some competition at the quarterback position and are eying Andy Dalton to come in and provide it.

Earlier in the month NFL insider Ian Rapoport joined Jags Wire for an episode of “Bleav in the Jags” and revealed that the Jacksonville Jaguars would have interest in veteran quarterback Andy Dalton if released.

Well, that time has come and he’s a free agent.

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Since his release this morning many have come forward to confirm that the Jags are now looking into bringing Dalton in including a report from Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer, who also stated the New England Patriots have interest, too.

Afterward, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche also chimed in on the report, stating that his source, who is close to the situation, said the Jags’ interest in Dalton was “legitimate.” He added that the potential addition of Dalton is one that may put Minshew Mania “on hold” but said the Jags’ salary cap situation could be a snag in talks.

According to the NFLPA’s public salary cap report (generated daily, per their site), the Jags have over $18.6 million in available cap space. It’s unclear if that included the franchise tag assigned to Yannick Ngakoue (approximately worth $18 million), but one would assume so. With that being the case, the Jags could look to bring in Dalton on a “prove-it” type deal like the one Ryan Tannehill signed last season with the Tennessee Titans (worth $12 million with incentives and guaranteed $7 million).

The only issue they would have to worry about at that point is someone offering a better deal (as a backup or starter) as Wyche said. Then again, maybe he’ll be drawn to the Jags because of his familiarity with Gruden and the system, even if other offers are better. Regardless, fans should be on Dalton watch these next few days as the Jags clearly want him to join the organization.