Andy Dalton Contract: $115 Million for 6-Year Extension
Andy Dalton has recently signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in a six-year deal worth $115 million; a deal which reports claimed, is the highest offered to a quarterback in the entire league.
Dalton, the former TCU Horned Frog player, has led the Bengals in three consecutive playoff appearances and 30 regular season wins, Sports World News reported. It added that the player's upgrade in his pay was unexpected, as he was scheduled to only make $1.7 million during the last year of his rookie contract.
His new deal will reportedly boost his confidence and could spark a breakout season for the veteran.
In a similar report, USA Today's Chris Chase made an assumption that Dalton's contract could just be a two-year- deal with $17 million guaranteed, a $12 million average salary and options for his 3rd year onward.
CBS Sports made a similar story and wrote that "A closer look at Dalton's contract suggests the Bengals paid him like a second-tier quarterback, which, frankly, is exactly what he is. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and $17 million guaranteed." This is supported by a CBS Sports insider who sid that "all of the fully guaranteed money comes in the first year of the deal. Dalton will make $18 million guaranteed this season and $22 million by February."
Dalton has been participating in the playoffs every year and has made three 10-win seasons, USA Today added. Although Dalton's statistics are not spectacular, the news site explained that what is important is winning the games.
In an article, Sporting News noted that Bengals owner, Mike Brown, was glad that they offered a contract extension for Dalton. "This is a happy news day. We're betting big on him because we believe in him."
The report added that the Bengals gave such deal to Dalton for his "steady improvement" during his first three seasons but noted that the player should still improve on his "shaky play." It can be remembered that Dalton struggled against a fight versus San Diego as Cincinnati's offense was tested.