3 Surprise Teams That Could Sign Andy Dalton

The Cincinnati Bengals officially handed the keys of the franchise to former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, when they released longtime gunslinger Andy Dalton on Thursday.

At 32 years old, Dalton still has plenty of football left in him, and he figures to have a number of suitors on the open market. Whether it be a contender or a franchise looking for a bridge QB, there's no telling where the three-time Pro Bowler could land.

With that in mind, let's highlight three surprise teams that could sign Dalton.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew / Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars are clearly striving to be as bad as possible in 2020 in hopes of landing the No. 1 overall selection in next year's draft. Just because they moved on from Nick Foles and his crippling contract doesn't mean they're sold on Gardner Minshew as the longtime starter. The Jags need another quarterback, and Dalton is familiar with offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, who formerly served as the Bengals OC from 2011-2013. Don't be surprised if Jacksonville brings Dalton to Duval.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Connect the dots, folks. The Steelers don't have successor lined up for Ben Roethlisberger, 38, who could retire after this season. Preparing for such a bombshell would be the smart thing to do, and Dalton is adequate enough to keep Pittsburgh's window for winning open. Signing the Red Rifle would give the Steelers more time to plan for the future. Mason Rudolph just isn't the answer.

1. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen / Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Dalton is likely to land on a team that's already set on its starting QB for the 2020 season. However, the TCU product would be one heck of a backup. Considering how reckless Josh Allen is at times, the Bills would be smart to add Dalton in case the former No. 7 overall pick gets hurt. Buffalo did draft Georgia product Jake Fromm in the fifth round, but he shouldn't come close to seeing the field as a rookie. Signing Dalton as insurance would ensure that the Bills avoid that would-be disaster.