Aaron Doster USATODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals, long one of the stingiest organizations in the NFL, made what looked at first glance to be a long-term commitment to quarterback Andy Dalton last August. But almost immediately after news of the six-year deal broke, a closer look at the details painted a clearer picture.
First reported to be worth over $100 million, the removal of escalators (based largely on playoff success) in the deal reduced the value to $96 million right off the bat and Pro Football Talk had a close examination that suggested the Bengals were essentially committed to Dalton for two years and $25 million. $17 million of that was paid via signing and roster bonuses within days after the deal was signed, and after we add in Dalton’s 2014 salary of close to $1 million and the $7 million he is due this year via a roster bonus and salary we arrive at $25 million.
The punch line here is that the Bengals can move on from Dalton after the 2015 season if they choose, with relatively minimal impact. It makes perfect sense to make Dalton prove he can lead the team to a higher level before committing significant salaries to him from 2016-2020, and the Bengals now have next season to cultivate an upgrade, or at minimum a potential replacement, if they choose. Speaking at the Senior Bowl in January, head coach Marvin Lewis essentially said that a lack of a viable replacement locks Dalton in as the starting quarterback for next season.
Cincinnati drafted A.J. McCarron in the fifth round of the 2014 draft (164th overall) after a noteworthy college career at Alabama, but his rookie season was mostly lost to a shoulder injury before he was activated off the reserve/non-football injury list in December. With Jason Campbell a free agent and unlikely to be brought back, the Bengals’ website has already reported that McCarron has a “great shot” to start next season as Dalton’s backup. McCarron reportedly will be working with noted quarterback guru Dr. Tom House this offseason, and the team is apparently also encouraged by his work rehabbing his lingering shoulder injury.
McCarron’s winning acumen from college obviously isn’t guaranteed to translate to the NFL, but working with House should help him remake his throwing motion and avoid further issues with his throwing shoulder. Arm strength was not considered one of his greatest attributes during the pre-draft process a year ago, so any adjustment in McCarron’s throwing mechanics would theoretically help that too.
Dalton needs to step his game up next season and finally lead the Bengals to a playoff victory (0-4 postseason record as a starter), otherwise he has a good chance to be replaced. If McCarron can leave his shoulder issue in the rearview mirror, take hold of the No. 2 spot on the depth chart and perform well when given a chance to showcase himself over the course of his second season as a pro, I think he will be under center for the Bengals come Week 1 of the 2016 season.
Brad Berreman is a Columnist/Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
