There have been a lot of questions regarding the future of Andy Dalton with the Cincinnati Bengals. The quarterback is currently 0-3 in the playoffs and entering a contract year. The team continues to say that they are committed to Dalton for at least 2014, but have made little note to what his future looks like. Things became even muddier when the Bengals drafted former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron in the fifth round. So what does the move mean for Dalton?
According to offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, the presence of McCarron means nothing for Dalton or his contract negotiations. Attempting to downplay any attention the quarterback addition might bring towards Dalton given the high amount of scrutiny he has already been facing, Jackson said that bringing in McCarron was about depth and talent, but the team's starter will remain the same.
"This is not about Andy Dalton," Jackson said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Andy Dalton is our quarterback and we stand by him 100 percent. And he has done a tremendous job during the offseason. I am so looking forward to working with all these guys, but obviously he is the leader of our football team. I think he has a bright, bright future ahead of him."
One thing the presence of McCarron does is put pressure on Dalton. The Bengals are desperate for the quarterback to start making a leap of improvement and McCarron is no slouch when it comes to talent. The Alabama quarterback comes with two national championship rings, a 36-4 record and a 2013 Maxwell Award to his name. McCarron dropped big time in the draft after many assumed he could go as high as the third round. Reports surfaced that the quarterback had a cockiness about him that turned teams away, but both Jackson and quarterback coach Ken Zampese saw no issues during their time with McCarron.
"I love how he carries himself, the enthusiasm for the game, the work ethic, you know he's tough playing for coach Saban down there and playing in so many big games," Zampese said.
Jackson simply said that he loves a player that has a bit of cockiness in him because it results in confident on the field that can help in tough times. He will need that attitude as he enters a quarterback battle with Dalton, last year's backup Josh Johnson and veteran Jason Campbell. Meanwhile, Dalton will continue to hope for a contract extension. Normally, quarterbacks entering their second contract get paid big dollars, but the lack of postseason success could mean something different for Dalton, especially if McCarron develops well during the year.
There are plenty of roster spots at risk for the Bengals after the draft. Jeremy Hill was drafted for running back depth, but NFL.com notes that veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis is officially on watch after the move. The running back has struggled recently and bringing in a successful rookie does not help with his future.
