The Cincinnati Bengals and linebacker Vontaze Burfict have come to an agreement on a contract extension.The extension is for three years and worth $38.68 million, per Ian Rapoport.
The #Bengals continue to stand behind LB Vontaze Burfict. Source said he is signing a 3-yr, $38.68m extension imminently.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2017
Josina Anderson first reported earlier that the Bengals and Burfict were in talks of extending his contract.
I’m told the #Bengals and LB Vontaze Burfict are working on a contract extension.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 7, 2017
The extension comes as Burfict is set to begin a three game suspension. Burfict was handed down the suspension after a dangerous play involving Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman. The suspension originally was five games, but Burfict was successful in getting it reduced.
No one can deny the impact Burfict has on the field. Burfict is strong and aggressive. This is the type of linebacker, when he plays clean, that you would want on your defense. He has a combined total of 500 tackles in five years with the Bengals organization.
Some may see Burfict as a dirty player. This has been said about Burfict and many other players on the Bengals roster. Regardless, the Bengals organization took a clear stance on where they stand.
This extension locks in a solid player for the next three years. For a team whose playoff chances look slim to none, keeping good players around will improve their chances in the long run. Losing Burfict would be a terrible loss on the defensive side of the ball. Burfict will be able to rejoin the team on September 25.
