CINCINNATI – The Bengals have signed defensive tackle Geno Atkins to a five-year contract extension, locking up one of their best defensive players through 2018.
The All-Pro tackle, a fourth-round pick in 2010, was entering the final year on his original deal. He made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons. Atkins had 12½ sacks last season, the most by any interior lineman in the NFL.
Cincinnati has spent more than $180 million since the end of last season keeping their team intact. The Bengals have reached the playoffs each of the last two seasons as a wild card, only to lose to Houston in the first round.
Atkins is the 12th Bengals player to get either a new contract or an extension since the end of last season.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
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