Cincinnati Bengals quarterback was wondering when he’d get his new deal. He doesn’t have to wonder anymore. Just days after Dalton expressed confidence in getting a new deal before the 2014 NFL season, the Bengals signed their young quarterback to a six-year, $115 million contract.

Many had speculated that the Bengals weren’t necessarily “all-in” with Dalton, as the quarterback has led Cincy to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, but the team has yet to come away with a playoff win. Not all of the losses can be blamed fully on Dalton, of course, as the fourth-year passer actually played decently in last year’s wild card loss to the San Diego Chargers.

Dalton has also taken positive steps in his development each year and even is fresh off of his best statistical season of his career in 2013. Dalton was asked to do more than ever in the offense a year ago, as he notched career highs across the board with 586 passing attempts, 4,296 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.

While there was a lot of good to take away from Dalton’s 2013 season, there was also some bad. With the extra pass attempts, the Bengals also saw more turnovers and slightly less efficient play from their franchise passer. Dalton’s interceptions skyrocketed from 16 to 20 and his completion percentage dipped from 62.2% to 61.9%.

The jury still remains out on the 26-year old former TCU product, as Dalton has never exhibited a cannon arm or the type of consistency expected from elite passers, but still seems to have some untapped potential.

Cincinnati clearly feels Dalton is their guy, though, as the massive deal keeps him around past 2020 barring a release down the road. Even if the Bengals aren’t confident Dalton can turn into a flat-out elite passer, their new offensive approach could combine with his solid play to be enough to get the Bengals over the hump in 2014. With a more run-based system in place, Dalton and co. could be more efficient than ever this year, which could potentially help Cincy finally get that elusive playoff win.