The New England Patriots are heading into what will be one of the most intriguing offseasons they have had in recent years. Tom Brady is set to hit the open free agency market and many believe that he could end up leaving. That would leave Bill Belichick needing to find a new quarterback.
CBS Sports has made a bold prediction for New England. They have predicted that the Patriots will end up acquiring veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dalton isn’t going to be able to carry an offense, but he can he a solid game manager, and since the Patriots have such a strong defense, a solid game manager might be all they need to compete for a Super Bowl in 2020.
Dalton has not been a horrible quarterback throughout his career. Playing for the Bengals has dragged him down a bit. Perhaps joining the Patriots would be exactly what he needs to turn his career around.
Last season with the Bengals in 13 games, Dalton completed 59.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He put those numbers up without star wide receiver A.J. Green in the lineup. New England could offer him more weapons with names like Julian Edelman and a solid running back duo of Sony Michel and James White.
At 32 years old, Dalton still has a few years left in his prime. Being traded to the Patriots and working with Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels might help him become a much more productive signal-caller.
Granted, Dalton would not be the dream addition for the Patriots. If they lose Brady, signing a player like Jameis Winston or Teddy Bridgewater would be a much better option. However, if they are unable to get either of those guys, acquiring Dalton might make sense.
Expect to hear a ton of rumors about the Patriots this offseason. If Brady leaves, things are going to get chaotic in New England.
