AP

When you’re on the hot seat, one of the worst things you can get is the old “vote of confidence.”

But Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton told reporters today that Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has given him one.

According to Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dalton said Lewis had faith in him, and told him he expected him to be there for a long time.

For the moment, it’s the only thing to say. The Bengals aren’t in a position to go out and draft the kind of guy who would be an immediate upgrade, partially because Dalton is good enough to get them into the playoffs three straight seasons (which is no small accomplishment in Cincinnati), which keeps the draft position low.

But Dalton also probably shouldn’t expect a big financial commitment from the team either, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Letting him play into his walk year gives him some leverage, and all the opportunity to make himself rich or make their decision easier.