The Bengals released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Thursday, marking the official start of the Joe Burrow era in Cincinnati.
Bengals are releasing QB Andy Dalton, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2020
Dalton asked for his release from the Bengals, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Despite Cincinnati’s best efforts, there were no takers for Dalton on the trade market earlier this offseason.
READ: Joe Burrow has best odds to win 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Dalton finishes his tenure in Cincinnati as the team’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (204), second in passing yards (31,594), and the most fourth-quarter comebacks in team history (20). He was named to three Pro Bowls and led the Bengals to five playoff appearances. Needless to say, Cincinnati got the most out of their 2011 second-round investment.
The expectations are higher for Burrow, however.
And so a mere one week after the draft, No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow is now in line to be the Bengals’ opening-day starter.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2020
Burrow told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that his expectation, even before Dalton’s release, was to be the starter.
“That’s my goal,” Burrow said. “I’m going to work really hard to get there. That first snap of training camp I’m going to walk into that huddle super confident.”
