Patriots Reportedly May Have Interest in Andy Dalton Trade

With each passing day, it appears less and less likely that Tom Brady returns to the New England Patriots for the 2020 season. So, what are the Patriots to do if the six-time Super Bowl champion opts to join another squad via free agency? It appears they have a plan.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Patriots could have interest in interest in acquiring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who is believed to be available via trade.

Dalton's time in Cincy is nearing it's end with the Bengals expected to select LSU signal caller and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with the first overall pick. Dalton sees the writing on the wall and the Bengals have reportedly been working with his agent to find him a new NFL home.

Dalton had been linked to New England in the past from Rapoport and NBC Sports' Peter King, so this latest update shouldn't come as a shock. With one year and $17.5 million remaining on his current deal, the Patriots could be the best possible landing spot for Dalton, who could further improve his game while working with Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels.

The Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts have also emerged as potential landing spots for the former 2011 second round pick.

This past season with the Bengals, Dalton threw for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on a 59.5 completion-percentage across 13 games before getting benched in favor of rookie Ryan Finley. The Red Rifle led the Bengals to a dismal 2-11 record in what is widely expected to be his final campaign in Cincinnati, but would likely fare vastly better on a superior Patriots squad.