Niner Noise
FanSided

5 NFL teams likely in the market for a new quarterback in 2019

By Peter Panacy

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected 2018 Starter: Andy Dalton

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason choices were weird.

First, it’s odd the Bengals elected to keep head coach Marvin Lewis around yet again, even though it’s been time to move on from him for a number of years now.

And while there were solid additions to upgrade an inept offensive line, Cincinnati needs to turn the page on quarterback Andy Dalton.

The days of Dalton at least carrying his team into the playoffs appear done now. Cincy’s 6-9-1 finish in 2016, along with the 7-9 record last year, point to the Bengals needing to find a new answer under center.

Additionally, Dalton carries exactly zero in dead money between 2019 and 2020, saving the Bengals $16.2 million in cap space if he’s cut after the upcoming season.

Next: NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft

So, if the Bengals are serious about changing the culture and makeup of a treading-water franchise, they’ll have to start at the top and find Dalton’s replacement in the 2019 NFL Draft.