Jets Have “Some Level Of Interest” In Andy Dalton

Rich Cimini reports that the Jets have “some level of interest” in free-agent QB Andy Dalton.

Cimini’s sources characterize New York as doing “due diligence” with Dalton, who would give them a more proven backup option behind Sam Darnold. 

As of now, the Jets have Darnold, David Fales and fourth-round pick James Morgan on their roster at quarterback. 

Yesterday, Jeff Darlington of ESPN reported that the Jaguars are “absolutely interested” in Dalton.

However, even if Jacksonville signs Dalton, Darlington anticipates Gardner Minshew being the team’s Week 1 starter based on his conversations with sources.

Dalton, 32, is a former second-round pick of the Bengals back in 2011. He was entering the final year of his seven-year, $97.09 million contract, which included $17 million guaranteed when Cincinnati cut him loose. 

Dalton stood to make a base salary of $17.5 million in 2020 when the Bengals opted to release him on Thursday. 

In 2019, Dalton appeared in 13 games for the Bengals and threw for 3,494 yards while completing 59.5 percent of his passes to go along with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 27 receiver out of 37 qualifying players.

We’ll provide more information on Dalton when the news becomes available.