Is Andy Dalton worth the $115 million?

Six years, $115 million. Those are the parameters of the deal that will keep the Bengal’s All-Pro Quarterback Andy Dalton in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future. Bengals fans hope that he will be there for all six, and beyond.

This places him as the 11th highest paid signal-caller in the NFL, below the likes of future Hall of Famers Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning. However, that is above other star-caliber passers as well, including Phillip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, and Tom Brady, who is a sure bet to enter the Hall.

While there is no denying that Dalton is a capable passer as well, but is he really above the aforementioned players? Is he really a top-15 quarterback? Let’s take a look.

Per stats from ESPN, with 33 touchdowns versus 20 interceptions on a nearly 62 percent completion rate last season, in addition to the 80 scores and the completing of almost 61 percent of his passes his entire career, it is a fact that Dalton deserves a bit of money.

But almost $20 million a year? When he has yet to lead the Bengals to a playoff victory and Brady, Rivers, and Roethlisberger, all of whom have had better careers so far, are making less, according to Overthecap.com?

Roethlisberger has two rings with the Steelers and has led them to six playoff appearances, according to Steelers.com. Rivers has five appearances with the Chargers, and has a career 96 quarterback rating, more than 10 points higher than Dalton’s, reports Chargers.com.

Don’t even get me started on Brady. According to Patriots.com and Bengals.com, the man has as many Lombardi trophies (3) as Dalton has seasons under his belt and more MVP’s in those games than Dalton has Pro Bowls. So if there is anyone who deserves more pay than Dalton who doesn’t already have it, it’s Brady, hands down.

Dalton’s Bengals have lost three straight Wild Card playoff games in a row, which in my mind doesn’t make him the 11th-best quarterback in the NFL. So he therefore should not be paid like it.

That being said, it could be worse. Much worse. And when it comes to exemplifying this point in the most efficient manner possible, one name, and one name only comes to mind: Joe Flacco. For now though, I’ll say congrats, Dalton. Now go out there and propel Cincinnati past the first round for once, and start proving that you’re worth this contract.