Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp: Three Questions
By Adam Hughes
BONUS: Will Andy Dalton Sign a Contract Extension Before the Season Starts?
Jun 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Andy Dalton has improved — at least during the regular season — during each of his three years in the NFL. He has also been at the helm for three straight first-round playoff exits by the Bengals. And therein lies the tension point as Dalton closes out his rookie contract and looks for his first big deal as an NFL veteran: the player and his agent want elite money, but the perception in many circles is that Dalton is a cut below the best and can’t win when it counts most. As such, negotiations with the Bengals to sign a contract extension are starting to gain public attention, and that only figures to increase as the preseason wears on. My guess is that the two sides can get something worked out before the season starts, because they’re a good match and have some momentum building in making the franchise better than it’s been in the past.
Of course, big money is involved, so nothing is certain.