Bengals re-sign Peerman, tender Hawkins

Cincinnati, OH – The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed running back Cedric Peerman Thursday while extending tender offers to three other players, including wide receiver Andrew Hawkins.

The Bengals' official site reported that Peerman, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent next week, reached an agreement on what is believed to be a two-year deal. The club also issued a $1.3 million offer to safety Jeromy Miles, also a restricted free agent, while Hawkins and reserve linebacker Vincent Rey received $550,000 contracts as exclusive rights players.

Peerman ranked second among Cincinnati players with a career-best 258 rushing yards and averaged an impressive 7.2 yards per carry last season, his third with the Bengals. The 26-year-old also doubles as a core special-teams performer and punt protector for the team.

"It's great to have Cedric's situation wrapped up; he's a smart and productive player who keeps getting better for us," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "And the guys we've tendered have also contributed to us reaching the playoffs each of the last two years. They are players we want to retain, and this is a step in that direction.

Hawkins also saw an increased role in the offense last year, with the slot specialist finishing third on the team in catches (51), receiving yards (533) and touchdown receptions (4). He came up with 23 catches totaling 263 yards as an undrafted rookie in 2011.

Miles, who has been with the Bengals since 2010, and Rey placed second and third, respectively, on the roster in special-teams tackles this past season.