Reactions: How long is Andy Dalton Bears’ QB1 after Chicago’s first-round pick of Fields?

Last month, the Chicago Bears tweeted a photo of long-time Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Andy Dalton – with accompanying text that simply said “QB1.”

On Thursday night, the Bears selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields in the first round – 11th overall – casting doubt about how long Dalton might be Chicago’s starter.

The Chicago Bears traded up in the first round Thursday with the New York Giants to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields.

 (Photo: John Bazemore, AP)

“I think this is a sensational pick, and the beginning of a new era in Chicago,” ABC’s NFL Draft co-host Rece Davis said after the selection.

Social media reactions:

Dalton, who entered this offseason as a free agent after playing last season with the Dallas Cowboys, told reporters in March that one of the reasons he wanted to come to Chicago was that the Bears told him he will start for them.

Dalton agreed to terms on a one-year deal reportedly worth for $10 million with the chance to earn another $3 million in incentives

The deal reunited Dalton with Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, the Bengals’ offensive coordinator during the 2017 and 2018 seasons who also served as former head coach Marvin Lewis’ quarterbacks coach during the 2016 season.

The Bears are scheduled to face the Bengals in Chicago during the 2021 season. Dalton and the Cowboys routed the Bengals, 30-7, in December.

Dalton, who signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys last May, started nine of the 11 games in which he played last season, completing 216 of 333 attempts (64.9%) for 2,170 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Bengals’ starting QB from 2011 to 2019 trails only Ken Anderson among Cincinnati’s all-time leaders in passing yardage.

NFL.com analyst David Carr wrote that Dalton was among the top 10 quarterbacks worth pursuing via free agency, 2021 NFL Draft or trade. Dalton, who will turn 34 in October, ranked 10th on Carr’s list.

Pro Football Focus called Dalton the riskiest NFL free agent at quarterback.

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Giving Joe Burrow more options is never a bad thing. Cincinnati Enquirer