A Crazy Andy Dalton Theory Bears Fans Need To Hear

Andy Dalton is going to be cut before the 2021 season is over. Did that get your attention? They say the best stories always need to have a great hook in the first line. So it is time to discuss why I'd say such a thing. The Chicago Bears have made it clear from the start that Dalton is their starter going into this season. Head coach Matt Nagy hasn't backed down from that stance even after Justin Fields was drafted. One would think the aim is to have Dalton hold down the fort as long as possible until the rookie is ready to play. A time-tested formula that has worked for several young QBs in the past. So what in the world would compel the Bears to consider cutting him? For this, one must think back to 2019 with running back Mike Davis. If people remember, Chicago signed him to a pretty decent two-year deal. Most assumed he'd compete with David Montgomery for the starting job.

Then by the beginning of November that same year, he was released.

Why? A little thing called the compensatory pick formula. If the Bears had held onto Davis, then they would've missed out on a possible 4th round compensatory pick thanks to the loss of Adrian Amos in free agency. By releasing Davis before the deadline that year, they were able to shift the formula back in their favor. They received the pick and eventually traded it to Jacksonville for Nick Foles. This is where Dalton comes in. Keep in mind by signing him, the Bears cancelled out their chances at a future 5th round pick due to the loss of Roy Robertson-Harris. As of right now, Chicago has just five picks in the 2022 draft. So any chance to add more might sound appealing. A release of Dalton before this year's deadline would likely regain that 5th rounder and only cost Chicago $2.5 million in dead money. They could then shift to Fields as the starter with Foles as the primary backup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb5CZCKwiI0&t=2s

Andy Dalton may flip that script but is it likely?

If he ends up playing really well, then the Bears obviously aren't going to cut him. However, if the scenario everybody expects unfolds? Then his presence on the roster will be redundant by midseason. Most believe he'll start the first quarter of the season. Then after underwhelming, the Bears will turn to Fields as their starter moving forward. At that point, Dalton won't serve much of a purpose on the roster aside from depth. This is why an eventual release makes sense. He'll have gotten most of his money and be free to sign on with another team that needs depth. Maybe even one that needs an emergency starter. Chicago will move forward with Fields and an extra pick in their back pocket. Some may call it shady business but that is the nature of the NFL. When you're more useful to a team off the roster than on it? The decision is easy. Andy Dalton should understand this business by now.

It can be ice cold at times.

Obviously, this is just a theory. There is a big difference between cutting a backup running back and a quarterback that is pushing to be your starter. That said, the Bears are in a unique position. One where they may not require Dalton on the roster past a certain point this season.