Bears Have Been Calling the Bengals About Andy Dalton

The Chicago Bears have expressed an interest in finding competition at quarterback this offseason. Of course, they haven't offered any details on this, so it's all rumors and speculation at this point. However, there is a growing belief that the team is seeking somebody with extensive starting experience. Among the list of names who fit that mold is longtime Cincinnati Bengals triggerman Andy Dalton.

It's hardly a secret the 32-year old is on his way out. The team holds the #1 pick in the NFL draft and are a virtual lock to draft LSU star Joe Burrow. Dalton has reportedly expressed a desire to go somewhere else where he can compete for a job. The Bears make obvious sense. They want competition for Trubisky and also employ Dalton's former QB coach and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. There just haven't been any solid rumors on whether they're interested.

Until now.

Paul Dehner Jr., who covers the Bengals for The Athletic, provided an update on their quarterback situation. When the subject of Dalton came up, he listed the Bears as the most obvious landing spot. Not only that, but it appears the two teams have been in contact.

"The first and most obvious is the Bears, who have been in touch with the Bengals on the topic. If looking to give “competition” to Mitch Trubisky, Dalton would be just that. His contract is a decent number, but it’s digestible when you have Trubisky still on a rookie deal.

More importantly, if looking for your version of Ryan Tannehill, reuniting Dalton with his former offensive coordinator Bill Lazor (now Bears OC) would be a snug fit. Remember, they were 5-3 together with a historically awful defense at the break in 2018 before everyone got injured. The only problem being Chicago doesn’t have many draft assets. They have picks at 43 and 50 and nothing else before 162. They’d prefer to call the Bengals’ bluff knowing the club would eventually have to release Dalton to avoid taking on his contract."

Bears might be hoping to avoid Andy Dalton trade

This is a tough situation for the Bears. Trading for Dalton not only loses them a precious draft choice but would saddle their already slim cap space with a large $17.7 million hit. They'd have to do some serious restructuring to fit it or hope Dalton is willing to take a pay reduction of some kind. On the other hand, they could take the chance of waiting. IF the Bengals aren't able to trade him before the draft, then it's a virtual guarantee they'll have to cut him.

Then the Bears would have a great opportunity to sign Dalton at a discounted price without giving up a pick. It's a dangerous game to play for GM Ryan Pace. Then again he's never been afraid to take risks. If he were able to snare Dalton at a discount without giving up a draft pick? That would be a major win for the Bears.

Lazor and Dalton had some decent success together in Cincinnati despite talent deficiencies on the offensive line and injury problems that racked the offense in 2018. He's not the sexiest choice, but the veteran has a solid track record of success.