Watch CBS News

Bengals Sign Dalton To 6-Year Contract

(CBS) The Bengals and quarterback Andy Dalton have agreed to a six-year contract that can keep him in Cincinnati through his prime and could be worth up to $115 million with incentives, according to multiple reports.

At its most basic, the deal guarantees $25 million and breaks down to a six-year, $96-million contract, plus incentives that could make it climb to $115 million, according to ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio.

Dalton had one year left on his rookie contract after the Bengals took in the second round of the 2011 draft.

More from CBSSports.com:

As for the structure of Dalton's new contract, La Canfora says it will include limited fully guaranteed figures, and it will allow the Bengals to pay as they go more or less on a yearly basis. Owner Mike Brown was a big proponent of that structure from the deal the 49ers struck with their young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

The details of the deal will be critical, but on paper, Dalton's contract is similar to the seven-year, $126.7 million deal the Bears gave Jay Cutler in January. Is Dalton worth that much? He's 30-18 as a starter (and 0-3 in the postseason) while Cutler, by comparison, is 56-48 during his career (and 1-1 in the playoffs).

The Bengals have found success with Dalton in making three straight playoff appearances, but they've made an immediate exit each time.

Dalton threw for 4,293 yards with 33 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and a 61.9 completion percentage last season.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.