NFL Rumors: Andy Dalton Could Sign Soon, Cam Newton Remains A Free Agent

With Jameis Winston joining the New Orleans Saints, there are two starting-caliber quarterbacks available in free agency. Cam Newton was released by the Carolina Panthers well over a month ago. The Cincinnati Bengals cut Andy Dalton a week after drafting Joe Burrow No.1 overall.

Newton’s free agency could continue for some time. That might not be the case with Dalton.

NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo has said he wouldn’t be surprised if Dalton finds a home within the next week, noting that Dalton is healthy. Newton is coming off season-ending foot surgery, and it’s unknown when he can be evaluated by team doctors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Newton’s 2018 season was cut short because of shoulder surgery.

From NFL Now on @nflnetwork: With the #Bengals releasing Andy Dalton on Thursday, I wouldn’t be stunned if he agreed to terms with a team relatively quickly. No health questions that might slow down the process as it has for the Cam Newtons of the NFL world. pic.twitter.com/9hifhwmZiQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 30, 2020

Dalton started 13 games in the 2019 season. He was replaced by rookie quarterback Ryan Finley after the Bengals got off to a 0-8 start. Finley had a 62.1 passer rating in three winless starts, and Dalton was given the job back for the final five games of the season.

Dalton threw for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdown passes, 14 interceptions and a 78.3 passer rating last year. A thumb injury limited him to 11 games two seasons ago. The veteran started 16 games in both 2016 and 2017, totaling 43 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.

"He's our QB there’s no doubt about it..but one of the things were doing, were still looking to make sure were upgraded at each position. There are some vets out there we might look at to bring in."@Jaguars HC Doug Marrone on Gardner Minshew. pic.twitter.com/RCRXaXGHQJ
— GMFB (@gmfb) May 1, 2020

The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars have both been linked to Dalton. According to multiple reports, Jacksonville is interested in the 32-year-old. Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said on NFL Network Friday that the team might look at signing a veteran, but second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew will be the Week 1 starter.

There’s been plenty of speculation that Newton could be a fit for New England or Jacksonville, but little evidence that either team will sign the three-time Pro Bowler.