[Mr KLC]

We know the Cincinnati Bengals want to trade Andy Dalton, but one of the few teams in need of a new quarterback doesn't appear interested in trading for him. Despite weeks of speculation that Dalton could be on their radar in the event of Tom Brady's departure, the New England Patriots are apparently not considering the longtime Bengals starter as a potential replacement.

"Something would have to change for the Pats to turn their attention to Andy Dalton," The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported Saturday. "He hasn't been discussed among the Pats' immediate plans."

It's not entirely surprising that New England isn't considering Dalton its Plan A, B or even C in the wake of Brady's departure. Bill Belichick and Co. have gotten a good look at their AFC counterpart over the years, and there's a reason Cincinnati is ready to move on from the 32-year-old signal-caller. While Dalton certainly had a weak supporting cast playing for the 2-14 Bengals in 2019, he hasn't posted a quarterback rating above 90 for three straight seasons and has generally been a middle-of-the-road passer, if not worse, since his last Pro Bowl nod in 2016.

What is notable, though, is the fact the Patriots don't seem particularly interested in any prominent veteran currently available. ESPN's Dianna Russini previously reported the team was never in on Teddy Bridgewater, who landed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. NFL Network's Mike Giardi, meanwhile, reported Friday that New England is "unlikely" to consider former Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter Jameis Winston, who remains unsigned. It remains to be seen if they're interested in Cam Newton, who's all but a lock to either be cut or traded by the Panthers.

If New England goes into the 2020 NFL Draft without a veteran addition, former fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham, who's thrown just four career passes, and veteran journeyman Cody Kessler will be the team's only quarterbacks under contract.

[Chi_archie]

I thought he might be pretty good in a patriots systems

[BuckyOne]

Just think what Brady could have done if the Oats could have made Josh Gordon and Antonio Brown work?

They were willing to play - showed up - met the coach’s rules. Me Too is ruining a lot of football lives????

[jjgold]

Daulton could get them to 8-8

[LT Profits]

Jacoby Brissett. Cheap salary and already familiar with Pats system.

Or if you want to throw away $1 on a 200,000-1 shot, Andrew Luck

[lakerboy]

Daulton could get them to 8-8

They might win ten games with stidham

[chargers4222]

This is all worthless. Reporters are desperate for any kind of story. Of course Patriots aren't going to leak that they're interested in Dalton or anyone else. When have the Patriots ever leaked any of their internal ideas or plans? I'd still put Dalton as the even money favorite to be their starter Week 1.

[carolinakid]

dalton sucks and need to be in the cfl

[Harry N. Lloyd]

This is all worthless. Reporters are desperate for any kind of story. Of course Patriots aren't going to leak that they're interested in Dalton or anyone else. When have the Patriots ever leaked any of their internal ideas or plans? I'd still put Dalton as the even money favorite to be their starter Week 1.

^^What he said. Dalton would be a good short term solution. He's smart, tough, and can adapt to the Pats short pass game plan. They could draft another QB and let the youngsters watch and learn for another season.

[Harry N. Lloyd]

Brissett a good choice for reasons LT pointed out.

[Mr KLC]

The New England Patriots came to terms on a contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer, according to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Hoyer's contract will be for one-year, $1.05 million.

"If someone offered him $5M or $6M to be a backup, Brian still would've wanted to be back in New England," Hoyer's agent Joe Linta told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "They gave him a chance to compete for the starting job, and that's all he asked for."

This marks Hoyer's third stint with the Patriots since they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

[johnnyvegas13]

As a backup I hope

[Mr KLC]

New England could offer new QB Brian Hoyer something no other team could: a chance to compete for the starting QB job in a system he already knows.

- Adam Schefter

[johnnyvegas13]

New England could offer new QB Brian Hoyer something no other team could: a chance to compete for the starting QB job in a system he already knows.

- Adam Schefter

I think pats really need to get a new qb for they own sake

They will still have a good d imo

[clockwise1965]

Dalton is a tier 2 qb at best.

[Snowball]

Stidham very tight with BB

could easily become the starter.

Pats need much more than a QB

[johnnyvegas13]

Stidham very tight with BB

could easily become the starter.

Pats need much more than a QB

Could b but bring in a solid vet at least

Pats have no chance at another Super Bowl I know

But they could win that division one last time imo

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Daulton could get them to 8-8

Darren? That would be a trick...if he did it from the grave.

[DrunkHorseplayer]

Looks like Brian Hoyer part III.

[MinnesotaFats]

Jacoby Brissett. Cheap salary and already familiar with Pats system.

Or if you want to throw away $1 on a 200,000-1 shot, Andrew Luck

This

Bill is working it for Andrew Luck...

[pologq]

i can see luck being a patriot

[frankzig]

Daulton could get them to 8-8

if they are lucky, he is a scrub

[Mr KLC]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested Wednesday that "all options are still on the table" regarding the 32-year-old Dalton, who remains under contract with the team through this season, "and that includes bringing him back, potentially, for 2020, having him serve as the backup for whoever they draft -- presumably Joe Burrow." At this point, Rapoport added, "nothing has been decided from Cincinnati's standpoint."

One of the reasons the Bengals are not in a hurry to decide on Dalton, Rapoport said, is that the QB's contract has no remaining guaranteed money, meaning Cincy could conceivably still release him and shed all $17.7 million he's due in 2020. Another reason is, well, the fact that the Bengals were obviously unable -- perhaps unexpectedly -- to find a taker for the former Pro Bowler during a free agency period that saw an unprecedented number of big-name passers hit the open market.

They were, in fact, open to trading Dalton, according to Rapoport, and even had conversations with several teams about a potential deal, but "a lot of those teams acquired other quarterbacks." The Chicago Bears, for example, were long speculated as a possible landing spot for Dalton but ended up sending a fourth-round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Nick Foles.

When all is said and done, the Bengals are widely anticipated to take a QB -- Burrow, specifically -- when the 2020 NFL Draft begins and they pick No. 1 overall. And there's little doubt that QB will open the season under center. Dalton certainly could still be in contention for a backup spot in Cincinnati, but it's more likely the Bengals are simply trying to beef up what little market there might still be for the veteran, who expressed interest in a potential trade out of town during the 2019 season.

[Wrongside]

Patriots probably gonna try to win this year, but will be quick to tank for Sunshine if they see the opportunity.

[Seattle Slew]

He is their best option. Brissett played well last year in Indy. Team tanked because of the kicker, cost them 2 or 3 games, and bad coaching by Reich in some spots, see Pittsburgh game.

Brissett a good choice for reasons LT pointed out.