FOX Sports' Adam Caplan reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed rookie and possible 2011 starting quarterback Andy Dalton to a contract. The deal is four years long and worth $5.2 million. Dalton was the third pick of the second round in the draft. He will head into Bengals camp trying to best Bruce Gradkowski for the top spot on the depth chart.

Fantasy Analysis:

When I wrote about Gradkowski's signing in Cincy, I talked about why I think Dalton should be the Bengals' starting QB. My feelings haven't changed, and I'll just say it again: Gradkowski can be a nice backup, but he's not a good starter. His career QB rating is 65.9. He's inaccurate and doesn't have much arm strength. He has never been successful over any extended stretch as a starting QB. While it may be tough for Dalton to step in and earn the the job, I think he has a chance better than 50-50 of doing so. I think it would also be the best thing for the Bengals. Unlike David Garrard playing in front of Blaine Gabbert or Donovan McNabb playing in front of Christian Ponder, the Bengals don't have a steady veteran they can use. Just start Dalton from the outset and start the future now.