Bengals Sign DT Geno Atkins and DE Carlos Dunlap to Extensions

Carlos Dunlap with the Bengals in 2017
Carlos Dunlap with the Bengals in 2017. Photo by Adam Lacy/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Cincinnati Bengals are making sure they have stability in their secondary for years to come. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Bengals signed defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive end Carlos Dunlap on multi-year extensions on Tuesday. Both players were entering the final years of their deals signed in 2013.

Atkins, who is two-time All-Pro, signed a four-year, $65.3 million extension which will keep him in Cincinnati through 2022. The 30-year-old will receive $25.5 million in the first year and $12 million in the second year.

Dunlap, who is two-time Pro Bowler, received three-year extension which is worth $45 million and will keep him with the team through 2021.

Giving such massive deals is very unusual for the Cincinnati Bengals, who didn’t like to spend big on the players in the past. This time, however, the team didn’t want to face the risk of losing two premier defensive players.

Geno Atkins was drafted in the fourth round of 2010 NFL Draft and spent his rookie year as a backup. In his sophomore season, however, he managed to win the starting job in the training camp and never looked back. Atkins went on to receive two First-team All-Pro honors and six Pro Bowl selections. His NFL career stats include 290 tackles, 61.0 sacks, six pass deflections, eight forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown.

Carlos Dunlap was drafted in the same year as Atkins, but he was taken in the second round. Dunlap had his breakthrough year in 2015 when he managed 13.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. He was Pro Bowler in 2016 and has established himself as a valuable player for Bengals’ secondary. Dunlap’ professional career averages include 361 tackles, 64.5 sacks, 42 pass deflections, 16 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.

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