Bengals: Giovani Bernard Agree to Entension

The Cincinnati Bengals and Giovani Bernard have agree to a three year extension worth 15.5 million.

As I was writing the Bengals five players to watch in 2016, something exciting was happening to end Wednesday’s OTA session on a great note. The Bengals have agreed to a three year extension with running back Giovani Bernard. The Bengals announced the signing after OTA’s.

Bernard was entering the last year on his rookie deal and he has been a vital part to this Bengals offense. Just last season the hands part of the Thunder and Lightning duo accumulated 730 yards on the ground and 472 yards through the air. In his first three seasons, he gained 2,105 yards on the ground, 1,335 yard through the air, and 17 touchdowns.

Unfortunately for the Bengals last season, when they needed him the most in the Wildcard game, he was in concussion protocol, thanks to a now illegal blow to the head by Steelers linebacker, Ryan Shazier. Giovani Bernard had fumbled twice in his career and only one fumble lost, outside of the Wildcard game, where he was knocked unconscious.

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The Bengals have locked up one of their biggest assets in their balanced offensive scheme. He will be with this team through 2019 and hopefully will continue his production. If they can keep finding ways to get him into space, they sky is the limit for Gio. The Bengals offensive future continues to look bright, especially if they keep locking up key pieces.