When the real numbers of the long-term contract signed by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became available, it became apparent that any team with a potential franchise quarterback should offer the same deal. Now.
Not surprisingly, a team widely regarded as being extremely careful with money wants to pay its potential franchise quarterback like Kaepernick.
Via Geoff Hobson of the Bengals’ official website, owner Mike Brown believes Dalton’s deal should be in the Kaepernick range. Presumably, a deal already would be done if Dalton’s camp agreed with that sentiment.
And if there was/were/whatever any doubt that the Kaepernick deal is incredibly team friendly, the Bengals’ willingness to give the same contract to a guy who hasn’t won a playoff game proves it. A mere $13 million fully guaranteed at signing on a seven-year commitment from the player. A very late (relatively speaking) April 1 deadline each year for dumping the player before injury-only guarantees become full guarantees. An annual average that pays the quarterback mid-level money now and, given spikes in the salary cap, mid-level money (or worse) in the out years. And an obligation for the player to plunk down a ton of cash for a $20 million disability policy payable to the team in the event that he suffers a career-ending injury.
So, yes, the Bengals should try to give Dalton that same contract. And the Panthers should try to give it to Cam Newton.
And the Colts should try to give it to Andrew Luck. And so on throughout the league as each young quarterback with franchise potential becomes eligible for a new deal.