schema:articleBody
| - Andy Dalton was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday after nine seasons as starting quarterback with the club, which took Joe Burrow first overall in last week's NFL Draft. The move, confirmed on the team's website, cements talented rookie passer Burrow as the Bengals' starter for next season while sending Dalton into a crowded free agency market. "Andy will always be considered a key member of the Bengals' organization," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. "His teammates and coaches appreciate his leadership and his commitment to winning." By dumping Dalton, who was entering the final season of a six-year contract, the Bengals will save $17.7 million in NFL salary cap funds. Burrow, 23, threw for more than 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns last season to lead Louisiana State University to the US college crown, capturing the Heisman Trophy as the top collegiate player. Dalton, 32, became a starter out of college, completing a team-record 2,757 of 4,449 passes for 31,594 yards and a Bengals career record 204 touchdowns with 118 interceptions. He also ran for 22 touchdowns. The Bengals reached the playoffs in Dalton's first five seasons and lost in the first round each time. The Bengals have not won a playoff game since 1990 and have suffered four consecutive losing seasons, including a league-worst 2-14 last year to secure the 2020 top pick. "This is a hard day for our club because we know and appreciate what a consummate professional Andy has always been," Bengals team president Mike Brown said. "Andy will always hold a special place with this franchise." Cincinnati went 70-61 with two drawn when Dalton started over the past nine seasons. Jacksonville offensive coordinator Jay Gruden had the same role during Dalton's first three seasons with the Bengals, making the Jaguars a possible destination for the veteran, with the New England Patriots also in the mix after parting ways with new Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady. js/rcw
|