Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is hopeful that he can follow fellow 2011 second-round Draft pick Colin Kaepernick in securing a long-term contract.

The San Francisco 49ers tied Kaepernick down to a six-year deal worth $126m (£75.2m) as he entered the final year of his rookie deal.

Dalton is entering the same stage in his contract and although he hasn't had the same success as the 49ers man, he is confident that he can secure a lucrative deal with the Bengals.

He told the club's official website: "I think the biggest thing is it got done. That's one thing that you see they took the time and were able to find a middle ground and get it done. I'm hopeful that'll happen for me soon.

"You have to have confidence in yourself to be able to do things. I think he's confident enough he'll be able to play out the whole contract and he's going to be able to earn everything.

"For me, I feel the same way. I feel like I'm confident in what I'm able to do. But you can't even talk about [structure] right now."

Dalton has led the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his three seasons at the club, but has failed to win a game in the post-season.