NFL Draft 2020: 5 Veterans who could be traded on draft day

5. Andy Dalton, QB

Just like last year’s Arizona Cardinals, the Cincinnati Bengals seem primed to move on from their previous year’s starting quarterback to select their franchise passer with the No. 1 overall pick. All signs point to LSU’s Joe Burrow being the first quarterback off of the board, which would send Andy Dalton to the bench.

There had been rumors earlier this offseason that the New England Patriots could be a landing spot for Dalton, but those have since subsided as they signed Brian Hoyer to compete with Jarrett Stidham. Nonetheless, multiple other teams could be on the market for a capable backup quarterback who only has one year remaining on his contract.

Dalton is currently due $17.7 million for 2020, but the Bengals are not on the hook for any of that salary should they move on from him. Several teams with an unsettled backup quarterback situation like the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills could be interested in acquiring Dalton, as they have the cap space to take on his contract and could use a veteran presence behind their young passers.

In any event, it’s probable any deal involving the veteran returns low draft compensation and necessitates a restructuring of Dalton’s contract to some extent. While one could argue the Bengals should keep Dalton to mentor Burrow for a year, they may not have the luxury.

With only $8 million in cap space and seven draft picks to sign, it’s possible they trade Dalton and acquire a cheaper backup currently on the market like Trevor Siemian or Blake Bortles. Dalton’s days in Cincinnati are numbered.

Projected Draft Compensation: 2020 fifth-round pick