As the Bears look to acquire a veteran quarterback to push Mitch Trubisky, one name that’s been thrown around is Andy Dalton.
According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the Bears have “been in touch” with the Cincinnati Bengals regarding a potential Dalton trade.
Dalton comes with a hefty cap hit ($17.5 million) and is only under contract through 2020 but Trubisky being on his rookie deal would help the Bears stomach his salary. The 32-year-old threw for 3,494 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season, sporting a 78.3 passer rating.
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Adding Dalton would give the Bears insurance in case Trubisky’s 2019 struggles persist next season. Dalton is an established veteran who is familiar with Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. The two worked together from 2016 to 2018 when Lazor was Cincinnati’s quarterbacks coach (2016) and offensive coordinator (2017-18).
Dehner’s report doesn't offer any specific packages the Bears and Bengals have discussed. However, barring a surprise, Cincinnati will select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in two months. Considering Burrow is set to become the Bengals’ quarterback of the future, trading Dalton will give him the chance to play elsewhere.
The Bears have made it clear that Trubisky is entering 2020 as their starter. However, someone like Dalton could usurp him if the former No. 2 overall pick can’t find his footing this season.
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