AP

Publicly, the Bengals say they’re all in on Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback. Privately, the Bengals are discussing drafting Dalton’s replacement.

That’s the word from Chris Mortensen of ESPN, who says former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is in the discussion for the Bengals as they prepare for next week’s draft.

The Bengals have the 24th pick in the first round of the draft, and they would probably prefer to use that pick on a cornerback, an offensive lineman or a defensive lineman. But if the players they like at those positions are off the board when the Bengals are on the clock, Bridgewater would be a fallback option.

Dalton has started all 48 games, plus three playoff games, since the Bengals drafted him in 2011. He has shown promise at times, but his terrible showing in the Bengals’ playoff loss this year has left a bad taste in the mouths of many Cincinnati fans who think the team needs to move on. Dalton is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

If the Bengals do move on, Bridgewater may be the quarterback who takes his place.