Bengals Releasing QB Andy Dalton as the Franchise Hands the Reins to Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on LSU Heisman-winner Joe Burrow, making him the new face of the franchise.

In an attempt to further turn the page and entrench Burrow as "the man" in Cincinnati, the team parted ways with their previous franchise guy. The Bengals released quarterback Andy Dalton, leaving Ryan Finley and Jacob Dolegala as the only quarterbacks on the roster.

Dalton was picked in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of TCU and quickly assumed a starting role. While he never won a playoff game, the Bengals went 70-61-2 across the three-time Pro Bowler's starts.

Dalton threw for just 16 touchdowns against 14 interceptions last year under Zac Taylor, but it's easy to forget that this is a guy who has topped 3,200 yards in eight of his nine seasons. Dalton has 31,594 yards and 206 touchdowns to his name.

Teams in need of a veteran to challenge for a starting role, like the Jacksonville Jaguars or New England Patriots, will likely get on the phone with Dalton.

Dalton gave the Bengals a starting quarterback for nearly a decade, and his name is all over the franchise record books. Unfortunately, the writing was on the wall when it became clear Burrow was going to fall into their laps, and the 32-year-old gunslinger will need to look elsewhere to resume his pro career.