The contract language reads that Dalton will be paid as more or less an average QB for the first 3 seasons. Contract ONLY hits max pay out if Dalton leads Bengals to multiple playoff games, this contract is loaded with concessions for Dalton but he has to hit those. In addition Cincy has right to cut and run after the first 3 seasons. Contract actually works good for both Bengals and Dalton since he has to perform well to get to the high end of the contract.