Andy Dalton trade rumors says Joe Burrow going to Bengals

What’s been speculated for quite some time now appears to be a certainty. By looking to ship Andy Dalton out of Cincinnati, it’s time for Joe Burrow.

The marriage between Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals appears to be nearing an end. As a result, a union with former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is on the horizon.

Per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati’s front office is committed to helping Dalton land on his feet with another squad via a trade. That plan “has been communicated to him [Dalton],” which checks out with what was reported in January. There are no hard feelings on behalf of the team, and they appreciate what Dalton has brought to the team since 2011.

Dalton started 133 games in nine seasons with Cincy from 2011-19, posting an 87.5 passer rating and tossing 204 touchdowns in the process. While his 70-61-2 record is respectable, the franchise hasn’t experienced a winning season since 2015. The tires were spinning.

As things currently stand, the Bengals hold the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. It has long been expected that they’d select Burrow with that pick, but now it seems like a mortal lock. This year’s Heisman Trophy and National Championship winner set several records on his way to one of the greatest collegiate seasons in history.

Completing 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, Burrow was nothing short of phenomenal in his senior season. He possesses the accuracy, touch, leadership and ability to extend plays that makes him a slam dunk prospect at the NFL level. He’s grown on draft experts over the course of the season and now sits atop many rankings and mock drafts.

The only obstacle standing in the way was the official report that Dalton was on his way out of town. Cincinnati can save $17 million by getting rid of the 32-year-old quarterback but seems to be doing right by its longtime leader before cutting him completely loose. Attempting to find a trade partner could help not only secure a solid destination for Dalton, but also net a return for the Bengals.

Once Burrow is selected in April, he’ll be tasked with improving an offense that ranked 30th in scoring and 26th in yardage gained this season. Winning just two games on the year, it was a tough first campaign for head coach Zac Taylor.

By getting their field general of the future, things may finally be looking up for a franchise that’s struggled immensely as of late.

Ending the Andy Dalton era and beginning the Joe Burrow era are steps one and two.