THIS!
With the joy of having Sunday Ticket, I get to see a lot of football. Glaring example I take from most games is the quarterback on other teams will stand their ground and make the throw, even knowing they're about to get hit hard. Several times I saw Dalton, Bradford, Eli, etc. hold onto the ball and release it to a wide open receiver or tight end a split second before getting hammered. Completion - move the chains. Our quarterback does not do this; he looks for the escape. Difference between this year and last: He would run after the pocket collapsed. This year, he's staying back trying to make the throw. Admirable, but still the same result - 3 and out.
So, at this point, I would not pay him. As many have mentioned in the "Suck for Chad Kelly" (LOL!! - it's really silly I know!) thread, next year's draft has a lot of good quarterbacks. Plus, I also like Cardale. I like his attitude. Polish him up and he could be dangerous! He has an infectious winning attitude (kind like Flutie). He just wants to win.