The New England Patriots continue to push forward with their quarterback search.
Following Tom Brady’s departure to Tampa Bay after two decades, the Patriots have been slow to address the quarterback position. Jarrett Stidham looks to be the prohibitive starter, and the team brought in Brian Hoyer for a third stint in Foxboro, this time presumably to back up the second-year signal-caller.
As names like Philip Rivers, Jameis Winston, and Teddy Bridgewater fell through the free agency cracks, the Patriots doubled down by not selecting a quarterback in the draft such as Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, or Jake Fromm, among others. But following the Cincinnati Bengals’ release of Andy Dalton, reports have sprung up of potential interest from New England in the nine-year veteran.
The Jaguars and Patriots are among the teams interested in Andy Dalton, per a source.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) April 30, 2020
The 32-year-old Dalton has spent his entire career with the Bengals. A second-round pick out of TCU, Dalton was brought in to replace former No. 1 overall pick, Carson Palmer. Now, he is being replaced by another No. 1 overall pick in Joe Burrow. Dalton leaves Cincinnati as the franchise leader in touchdowns and three Pro Bowl selections. He ranks ninth among quarterback active wins leaders with 70.
Going after a quarterback is not unexpected. After all, Belichick alluded to the fact that the Patriots passing on a quarterback in the draft “wasn’t by design”. New England inked undrafted free agents Brian Lewerke and J’Mar Smith following the end of the draft.
Dalton would slot into Hoyer’s role as the backup quarterback behind Stidham with the chance to beat him out for the starting spot. With his winning regular-season pedigree, Dalton would look to prove he still has something left in the tank under a coach known for dominance in New England, and finally capture his first elusive playoff win.
