Geno Atkins, middle, has earned quite an extension. (USATSI)
Geno Atkins, middle, has earned quite an extension. (USATSI)

Geno Atkins, perhaps the best defensive tackle in the league, and the Bengals have come to agreement on a contract extension, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. And it won’t come cheap for Cincinnati -- CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has confirmed the deal is worth five years and $55 million.

Here was Atkins' reaction to the news.



The extension isn’t a surprise, considering Atkins has become a stud at defensive tackle and the Bengals knew they weren't in a position to let Atkins even think about the possibility of becoming a free agent as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Late last month, it was thought the two sides weren’t close, but apparently there was plenty of movement in the past couple days.

And to put Atkins’ new salary in perspective:


Writes La Canfora, "Atkins will earn $31 million over the same period he would have likely earned $21 million for playing this season out and being franchised in 2014 and 2015 under very affordable franchise tag tender amounts. The 2013 defensive tackle franchise tender amount is $8.45 million. The contract is the second most lucrative extension for a DT in NFL history. Haloti Ngata signed a five-year, $61 million extension in 2011, after being franchised with a $12.6 million tender amount."

Atkins is coming off a season in which he finished with 53 tackles, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, all career highs.

And for those who are enthralled by Cincinnati's recent decisions to give its own players big extensions, here's something to think about.


Next on the list for the Bengals to re-sign are quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green.

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