National Football League

Bengals, QB Dalton agree to 6-year contract extension

Published Aug. 4, 2014 10:29 a.m. ET

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Quarterback Andy Dalton has reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals on a six-year, $96 million contract, FOX Sports 1 NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reports.

“It’s great that the Bengals have shown this confidence in me,” said Dalton, who will make $18 million this year. "This is only a beginning. We have higher goals than just making the playoffs, and it’s my job to lead us there.”

Dalton has led the Bengals to 30 regular-season wins and three straight playoff appearances. He hasn't missed a start in his first three years, throwing 80 touchdowns and 49 interceptions in the regular season. The Bengals have lost in the first round of the playoffs each of the past three seasons and haven't won a playoff game since 1990.

Cincinnati plays at Kansas City on Thursday night to open the preseason.

Everyone one was all smiles around Bengals camp on Monday when the team made Dalton one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

[VIDEO] http://t.co/vhdu4FNOnn goes 1 on 1 with @andydalton14 after signing his extension: http://t.co/OltaZTOBpH pic.twitter.com/61yoPNcWqA
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 4, 2014

''We're betting big on him because we believe in him,'' Bengals owner Mike Brown said.

Dalton said now that the deal is done he can concentrate solely on football.

''You do have it in the back of your mind, when is it going to get done,'' Dalton said. ''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.

''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.''

Brown said it was a ''happy news day'' for the organization.

''This is important to solidify our franchise going forward. Andy has earned his place here,'' Brown said. ''He has gained the confidence of the players, the coaches and the management of the team.''

Added Dalton: ''We're excited to know we're going to be here for a long time.''

The quarterback has passed for more than 3,000 yards in each of his three seasons. He led the Bengals to an 11-5 record and AFC North title in 2013. He set career highs with 33 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.

Dalton, a second-round draft choice in 2011, has been criticized for throwing six interceptions with only one touchdown in three postseason losses. Lewis said Dalton still is improving.

''It's stating the obvious that this is a key move for the ongoing success of our team,'' Lewis said. ''I congratulate our front office, and Andy and his representatives, for coming together to make this happen in a constructive way for the football team. Andy is still a young player, he has led us to the playoffs three straight years, and by far we have not seen the best of him yet.''

Dalton said the big contract won't put any extra pressure on him to perform.

''We have high expectations for what we're trying to do this year, and so regardless of the contract, I would have expected to go into the season with the same mentality and same attitude,'' Dalton said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.