NFL Rumors: Andy Dalton open to incentive contract with Bengals

Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s no doubt that at times, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton can look the part of a franchise quarterback. From squeezing throws into nearly impossible areas to making fantastic decisions, Dalton looks like the signal caller so many hoped he would grow into.

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But sadly, Dalton’s biggest issue has been consistency and for all the good he brings, there are also plenty of times when Dalton looks like he should be holding a clipboard on the sidelines.

The Bengals have been more than open about Dalton’s consistency problems and the quarterback appears to be well aware, suggesting he would be open to accepting an incentive laden contract moving forward.

“Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said Tuesday afternoon that he’d have no problems accepting a contract extension similar to the controversial, clause-filled six-year deal given to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick last week.”

In essence, while Kaepernick received a good amount of cash to sign, he’s essentially playing on a year-to-year basis as the 49ers can cut their quarterback without any financial guarantees beyond one season.

It’s a contract that Dalton seems open to receiving as well as it not only helps the team, but it also motivates the player to continue to play at a high level. That’s not to say Dalton wouldn’t regardless, but we’ve seen many NFL players cash in and then take the rest of their contract off.

The Bengals may not want to pay Dalton significant money upfront, but keeping him on a year-to-year basis seems like a rather solid move in comparison to giving him guaranteed money over the course of five or six seasons.