NFL
Andy Dalton Has Earned $50 Million More Than Dak Prescott in the NFL
Andy Dalton might be a major downgrade from Dak Prescott in the Dallas Cowboys‘ offense, but he still has the starting quarterback beat in terms of his bank account.
Dalton has played nine seasons in the NFL as a starting QB, and he’s done quite well for himself despite never winning a playoff game. The ‘Red Rifle’ signed a $96 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014. He didn’t see all of the money from that massive deal, but he’s still earned $50 million more than the man he’s replacing in Dallas.
Andy Dalton has earned $86 million in the NFL
RELATED: Mike Vrabel Made the Most Genius Coaching Move and You Probably Didn’t Even Notice It
Dalton has never been considered an elite quarterback in the NFL, but he sure has profited a ton throughout his career. The veteran QB has earned $86 million in 10 seasons in the league.
Dalton was taken in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Bengals. He started his career on a four-year, $5.2 million rookie deal. He took the starting job from day one and led Cincinnati to a 9-7 record in his first professional season.
Dalton recorded double-digit wins in each of the next two seasons, and the Bengals liked what they saw enough to give the QB a massive pay raise. Before the 2014 season, the Bengals signed Dalton to a six-year, $96 million contract.
Although he never earned the entirety of that contract, Dalton has still made $86 million in the NFL.
Dalton has made $50 million more than Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott is already miles better than Dalton has ever been as a quarterback, but he still has some work to do to catch the former Bengal in career earnings.
Through five seasons in the NFL, Prescott has earned $36.3 million from the Cowboys. And most of that has come from this season alone. Dallas placed the exclusive franchise tag on Prescott prior to the 2020 season, which is worth a whopping $31.4 million.
Prescott was due for a lucrative contract extension in the near future, but a season-ending ankle injury has jeopardized his next deal with the Cowboys. Dallas will have a tough decision to make next offseason, but Dalton will have to tread water for the Cowboys in the meantime.
Dalton steps in for Prescott in Dallas
RELATED: Where Did Buffalo Bills Star Receiver Stefon Diggs Play in College?
When Dalton signed a $3 million contract to join the Cowboys, he expected to sit the bench all year and help Prescott grow as a passer. But he’s already been forced into action just five games into the season.
Prescott fractured and dislocated his ankle last Sunday against the New York Giants, and Dalton came in in relief. Dalton led the Cowboys to a massive win with some clutch throws down the stretch, and he’ll need to do the same the rest of the season with Dallas in playoff contention.
Dalton’s contract with the Cowboys is worth $3 million on the surface, but he can earn up to $7 million with incentives and bonuses. If he plays well the rest of the season, Dalton will be a $100 million man in the near future.
All contract info courtesy of Spotrac