The Cincinnati Bengals and those surrounding them like to brag about Andy Dalton’s contract compared to the rest of the NFL.

While affordable, the Bengals will have to up Dalton’s contract at some point. Just don’t expect them to focus on it this year.

Already eyeing extensions for Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap, Bengals management made it clear during NFL owners meetings in Orlando that Dalton’s contract isn’t on the menu.

Here’s Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer: “They say they won’t be revisiting the deal this year, but think their offseason moves with the offensive line and re-signing Tyler Eifert will help bring him back to the level of play he showcased in 2015.”

Vice president Troy Blackburn said this of the situation, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.

“We didn’t sign the Andy Dalton deal because we thought it was a good deal. At the time it was an expensive deal. It was a heavy lift,” he said. “We did it because Andy was a winning starting quarterback in the National Football League, he had demonstrated that. We know statistically your best chance of success is by rewarding your own players and maintaining that quality core. That is what drove that.”

Dalton’s current contract ranks outside of the top 20 in average annual salary, though it also ranked as the most in franchise history at the time of its signing.

The Bengals are smart to wait after Dalton posted rookie-esque numbers behind a miserable line last season, completing 59.9 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Turning 31 years old in October, Dalton’s potential extension price will hinge on whether he meets expectations in 2018 with what the team clearly views as an upgraded depth chart around him.

Dalton’s current contract sends him to free agency in 2021.