Dalton: Agent was trying to figure out if there were other options right before trade deadline. Dalton says timing was tough to pull that off. He just wants to play somewhere. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 30, 2019

In his first public comments since getting demoted in favor of rookie Ryan Finley, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton expressed support for his team but frustration with its handling.

As seen from a note via Paul Dehner Jr. of the Atheltic above, Dalton said his agent was looking at potential trade ideas in the hours before the deadline.

Dehner also captured the following from Dalton: “I don’t agree with the decision but I’m going do everything I can to help the team.”

The timing of the move always smacked as odd. Not only was it Dalton’s birthday, but the news leaking seemed to suggest the team might have an interest in dealing its franchise passer.

In hindsight, it’s clear Dalton wanted a chance to go somewhere else and play if he wasn’t going to play. But he’s all in now:

Andy: I want opportunity to play here or wherever. But not my focus now. Trying to get us through this stretch — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) October 30, 2019

The handling of this situation by the Bengals has been odd, to say the least. Giving other teams more advance notice Dalton might be on the table might’ve helped a trade come to fruition.

As it stands, the leak and announcement of a late decision left Dalton and his reps with little time to work something out. He’s obviously going to be professional as always as he finishes this season, but he’s now a prime trade candidate this offseason.