The Cincinnati Bengals have decided that Andy Dalton is their man for the foreseeable future. On Monday, the Bengals and Dalton agreed to a six-year deal that is worth $115 million.
The Bengals selected Dalton in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 35 overall pick. Dalton has led the Bengals to the postseason in all three years he has been with the team. However, he has been unable to get past the Wild Card round each season.
In his first three seasons, Dalton has put up solid numbers. He has complete 992 of 1,632 pass attempts, which is good enough for a 60.8 completion percentage. He has thrown for 11,360 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 49 interceptions. In addition, he has ran for 455 yards and 7 touchdowns. In his first three years, Dalton has a regular season record of 30-18.
Wide receiver A.J. Green will be happy to hear that Dalton is staying. Like Dalton, he was drafted in 2011 by the Bengals and has been Dalton's primary target.
For Dalton, there still exists the notion that he is inconsistent and not worth this kind of big money contract. Many point to his 0-3 playoff record, in which he has 1 touchdown pass compared to 6 interceptions. In addition, he often makes mistakes under pressure. Still, Dalton has only played three seasons in the NFL and will be given plenty of opportunities to grow, especially with Marvin Lewis as head coach and Hue Jackson as the offensive coordinator.
Andy Dalton got his big contract. Now, let's see if he lives up to the large amount of money he just received.