Andy Dalton is arguably the third best quarterback in Cincinnati Bengals history. But just like his fellow Bengals alums, postseason success has eluded him and the team. With two years left on a six-year, $96 million contract, there’s real pressure on the Bengals to move on from the Red Rifle.
Will they? Should they?
If Dalton had more success with Cincy, this would be prime time for a contract extension. He’s due to make $16.2 million this season and $17.7 million next year, not bad for a starting NFL quarterback. Those are fair numbers for Dalton and the Bengals. Any extension would just hover around that same range. Dalton has been a legitimate NFL starting quarterback, but has done nothing to enter the $20 million a year conversation.
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But, in a rare moment of lucidity, Cincinnati owner Mike Brown has decided to make Dalton play for his extension.
“I think it’s a good year for (Dalton) to show (he can play) like he can, like we think he will,” Brown told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “After he re-establishes himself we would want to get together with him and see if we can extend it. I think Andy is a good player and that he will rebound off last year. He was hurt. We lost so many other pieces. It fell apart, but if he’s healthy and we stay healthy enough, I have confidence in him.”
Dalton played in just 11 games last season, completing 61.9 percent of his passes for 2,566 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Zac Taylor was asked if they see Andy Dalton as their guy going forward. “Absolutely,” he said.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 26, 2019
The Bengals pick at No. 11 in April’s NFL Draft and unless they fall in love with Missouri’s Drew Lock, they probably won’t take a quarterback. What could be a real option for them is Arizona Cardinals second-year quarterback Josh Rosen. If the Cards are enamored with Kyler Murray, and word is they are, Rosen could be snatched up for a second rounder.
If the Bengals were to make such a move, there’ll be no extensions in Dalton’s future unless he somehow drags the team to the Super Bowl this season.
