NFL Trade Machine: Andy Dalton Unprotected?

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) during the second half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals have remained adamant that Andy Dalton is their quarterback.  One would think after two Pro Bowls and four-straight trips to the playoffs he’s earned that right.  Yet the doubts about his job security linger on.  Why?  For all the stability he brings at the quarterback position. voices are growing louder saying Dalton doesn’t have the raw talent to elevate his game in the playoffs.

That is why he is 0-4 in January.

It’s also why a subtle buzz has begun to pick up surrounding his backup, A.J. McCarron.  The former Alabama star, who led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national championships, has been making a lot of noise in his second year.  Just ask teammate Wallace Gilberry.

"“The kid is doing awesome.  When I say awesome, that’s kind of an understatement. I mean, last year, he kind of struggled with the arm situation. But this year, man … his throwing motion is on point. His passes are on point. I think he’s thrown one interception the whole camp.”"

McCarron suffered from a shoulder problem during his rookie year and was forced to sit out most of the season.  Since then word is he’s fully healthy and has shown it in every practice thus far.  Keep in mind the kid is bigger than Dalton and seems much more comfortable in high-stakes games as evidenced by his bowl success at Tuscaloosa.  That and Dalton’s 3-11 record in prime-time or playoff games.

So this begs the question.  What happens if McCarron steals the starting job in 2015?  Would the Cincinnati Bengals simply bench Dalton, or perhaps look for NFL trade possibilities?

There are a few things to keep in mind here.  Dalton is still just 27-years old.  He’s an experienced and accomplished starter who is signed through 2020 at a reasonable $16 million per year.  Better still, his cap number doesn’t go above $15 million until 2017.  Given how many teams around the league are thirsty for somebody even remotely capable under center, there’s a good chance the Bengals would get a nice return for him.

Team To Watch:  Washington Redskins

New GM Scot McCloughan has inherited a quagmire at quarterback with Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins providing few answers.  Andy Dalton would present the ideal solution.  He’s a veteran.  He knows how to operate in a run-first offense and best of all he’s familiar with head coach Jay Gruden, who was offensive coordinator for the Bengals when Dalton was drafted.