Andy Dalton decided to sign with the Dallas Cowboys following his release from the Cincinnati Bengals, making him no longer an option for the New England Patriots. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, New England never had much interest in Dalton.
Cowboys' signing of Andy Dalton should also contextualize the level of interest from the Jags and Pats, since both would've given him an easier path to playing time.
Neither showed the Bengals much in trade interest. And obviously Dalton coming free didn't change things.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 3, 2020
When Dalton was released by the Bengals, the Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars were listed as the most likely landing spots for him. That was due to the fact that both the Patriots and Jaguars gave Dalton the best shot of starting again next season.
Before they released him, the Bengals were fielding offers for Dalton, seeing if they could acquire a draft pick. But after those efforts proved to be futile, Dalton asked to be released. Even after he was free to sign anywhere, the Patriots didn't change their stance on whether or not to pursue Dalton.
Perhaps Dalton just wanted to sign with the Cowboys so he could return to Texas, where he played his college football. As for New England, letting another notable free agent quarterback sign elsewhere goes to show the confidence they have in Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham, who's entering his second year in the NFL, has yet to start in a single game in the NFL. Although that may be true, the Patriots have spoken very highly of the team's fourth-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft.
It goes without saying that it's still going to be awkward to see someone besides No. 12 starting at quarterback for the Patriots next season. While some believed Dalton could provide some insurance at the position, New England never showed that he was ever an option this offseason.
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