NY Jets have some interest in signing Andy Dalton per report

The NY Jets have reportedly shown “some level of interest” in signing recently-released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, per a recent report.

The NY Jets may have selected a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft, but it seems as though they’re still in the market for a veteran backup. And that player could be longtime Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.

Dalton was recently released by the Bengals after nine seasons in the Buckeye State. After the team drafted Joe Burrow first overall, the writing was on the wall for his departure.

And truth be told, that wall had been written on for quite some time now. But could the former TCU star be heading to the AFC East?

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported on Saturday that the Jets have shown “some level of interest” in signing Dalton and that the team is doing their “due diligence.” While he did indicate that there is nothing imminent, the interest is apparent.

And it’s hard to argue that Dalton wouldn’t be an outstanding addition at the right price.

The Jets drafted FIU quarterback James Morgan in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. And while the team is high on him, he still remains a developmental project at the position.

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Morgan’s ball placement is erratic and his decision-making is highly questionable. He likely isn’t ready for NFL snaps just yet. So despite being the team’s second of three fourth-round picks this year, he might not even open the season as their backup.

That would likely leave veteran David Fales as the de-facto second option behind Sam Darnold. However, calling Fales — who has only appeared in five career games without making a start — a “veteran” is generous.

The Jets don’t have much depth behind Darnold and they saw just how poorly that could impact the team last year. Only then, at least they had a competent backup in Trevor Siemian — they just ran into poor luck.

Going into 2020 with Fales and Morgan as the primary backups would be asking for a disaster.

That’s why adding a player like Dalton would be such a great move. Not only would Dalton immediately be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL, but the nine-year veteran would be able to provide mentorship and stability behind Darnold.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Dalton has been a little underappreciated throughout his career having played for a hapless Bengals team all these years. And even the team’s postseason struggles can’t solely be placed on him.

Dalton is a fine quarterback — and a superb backup option.

Now, it’s really anyone’s guess as to what he would ultimately cost. The Jameis Winston contract shattered the backup QB market in a good way for teams, but Dalton could hold out for a significantly larger chunk of money.

Perhaps a one-year deal worth around $5-6 million seems reasonable given his pedigree. Would the Jets make that deal? It might require manipulating the cap a little (goodbye Brian Winters), but it would likely be worth it.

If the price is right, the Jets would be wise to sign Andy Dalton and give themselves some security at the quarterback position.