NFL Trade Rumors: Andy Dalton Signs $115M Deal With Bengals; Among Highest Paid QBs

Andy Dalton shared, in the beginning of August 2014, that he was confident that he would land a new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. It seemed that he was right all along.

Dalton signed a contract for six years, worth $115 million, in a report by CBS Sports. The fully guaranteed amount will be placed in the first year, which means that the quarterback will earn $18 million guaranteed in 2014 and another $22 million by February 2015. The Bengals get protections from cap and cash if they plan to make changes after a few years.

Mike Brown, owner of the Cincinnati Bengals said, "We're betting big on him because we believe in him." He added, "This is important to solidify our franchise going forward. Andy has earned his place here. He has gained the confidence of the players, the coaches and the management of the team."

Dalton was obviously a bit worried about his football future in the past week and shared that he may now focus on playing football after signing the deal, according to Yahoo! Sports.

He said, "You do have it in the back of your mind, when is it going to get done. Now we don't have to worry about it. Like (coach) Marvin (Lewis) said, just play the game and I don't have to have this hanging over me." He added, "To get this opportunity to come to the city of Cincinnati, get drafted here and play for the Bengals and now sign this extension and be here for a long time, I'm just so blessed." He concluded, "We're excited to know we're going to be here for a long time."

As a starter, Dalton recorded 30-18 but loses focus in the postseason with a 0-3 mark, writes ESPN. In each of his three seasons with the Bengals, he passed for over 3,000 yards. He led the team to three trips to the playoffs and a record of 11-5 as well as the AFC North title in 2013. He also had 20 interceptions and a career-high 33 touchdown passes.

A.J. Green, whom the Bengals are also looking to extend, showed his support towards Dalton. Green said, "That's my guy. He helped me where I am. I helped him and we took the Bengals to a different level. The Bengals were losing a lot before we came. I feel like we turned it around. I know they know he's the guy... I feel like they're going to get something done before the season starts."