Andy Dalton might play his last game with the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend.
Dalton’s weekly presser got pushed to Thursday because of the holiday and it was extensive in nature, as expected for a veteran who some don’t expect to return next season.
But when asked about what could make him want to stay or leave Cincinnati, Dalton kept it simple:
“We’ll have to handle that when the season is over. We’ll have to see what the organization is thinking and then we’ll move forward from there.”
This wound up phrased in such a way because Dalton was visibly upset at the trade deadline when the team benched him, even admitting his reps were looking for trade opportunities.
Meaning, Dalton still wants to be a starter in this league. He was asked if he’d come back as a mentor for a rookie:
“I’m under contract, so I don’t know what they’re going to be thinking. We’ll figure all of this stuff out once the season is over.”
It’s the best non-answer possible for a guy who wants to remain playing as a starter in the NFL. And while Dalton said some incredible things about his relationship with the community of Cincinnati away from the field (things of much more importance), the bigger narrative will focus on his playing future.
With the Bengals seemingly careening toward Joe Burrow at first overall, Sunday could indeed be Dalton’s last game for the Bengals. If the long-term direction of the franchise and the quarterback’s reaction to events near the trade deadline clash again, things could get interesting this offseason.
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