Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has revealed that the club are hopeful of securing a long-term contract with quarterback Andy Dalton.

The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will become a free agent next year if no new contract can be agreed between him and the Bengals.

Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer: "We are hopeful we can get a deal done that works and Andy can put it behind him. He can get back focusing on football.

"He doesn't have to go into the season and worry about this contract thing, every week someone is going to ask him a question, all those things that come into play later on. Let's get it behind us."

Bengals owner Mike Brown has admitted that he was unsure whether a new deal could be reached with Dalton.