The Facts: All has been quiet in recent weeks regarding Dalton's potential relocation to another NFL city, with next week's draft looming as a potential clarifying event. The Bengals, for whom Dalton has entered each of his nine professional seasons as the team's unquestioned starter, own the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to select former LSU star Joe Burrow, who threw an FBS-record 60 touchdown passes in 2019. Conventional wisdom is that the team will trade Dalton and, if unable to find a suitor, release the three-time Pro Bowl selection. "I truly believe they want what's best for me, but I understand it's a business, and you know how that goes," Dalton said. "With the first pick, if they take a quarterback like everyone expects, that could trigger something. There's even a scenario where I go back there."

Diehards Line:Indeed, it's entirely possible the Bengals will try to retain Dalton, 32, who is due $17.7 million in the final year of his contract in 2020 (he'd likely be asked to restructure the non-guaranteed deal to lower the salary-cap number) and could serve as an insurance policy given the unique challenges posed by this highly unusual offseason. That sentiment was echoed by Bengals coach Zac Taylor. "Everything's on the table, and that's the truth," Taylor said Thursday night. "Given the circumstances going on in the world right now, it doesn't make sense not to keep our options open. [Bringing him back is] something to consider." Said Dalton: "It's a different year, with different challenges. You never know. ..." We'll be watching for more.