Should the Cincinnati Bengals extend Vontaze Burfict?
By Sheikh Uddin
When healthy and not suspended, Bengals’ linebacker Vontaze Burfict is one of the best in the league. Will it be enough to earn him a new contract?
Vontaze Burfict is one of those special players…in a good and bad way. Burfict is looked upon as the most valuable defensive player for the Bengals due to the impact he makes when on the field. The problem? It’s been hard for him to stay on the field for the past couple of years. His decisions on the field have caused him to get suspended and even injured.
Whether it’s tackling head first or “accidentally” trying to break someone’s ankle.Burfict has been all over the place on defense. His play on the field has gotten him the label of being a “dirty” player. Although it’s not wrong, fans seem to forget how good Burfict is when his name is brought up.
In Burfict’s last full season, he led the league in tackles and landed at No. 52 on NFL.com’s Top 100 in 2014. Vontaze is one of the most feared defenders when on the field, due to his ruthless tackling and great vision.
Positives of Re-signing?
One of the biggest keys to re-signing Burfict is that he’s still very young. It would be another story if Burfict was in his 30s and getting injured a lot or in trouble on the field. Burfict is only 26-years-old and in the prime of his career. In his past contract, he signed for a more than decent amount. He inked a 4-year $20 million dollar agreement. This quickly became one of the more team-friendly contracts for Cincy.
One thing that cannot be taken away from Burfict is his leadership. Burfict has served as a cornerstone leader on the defense and the one who puts everyone in place. His impact on the field increases the play for everyone around him.
Related Story: Why Burfict Stays Put
One thing that cannot be taken away from Burfict is his leadership. Burfict has served as a cornerstone leader on the defense and the one who puts everyone in place. His impact on the field increases the play for everyone around him.
When on the field, Burfict influences the run defense in a positive way. The Bengals worst attribute on defense has been stopping the run. That tendency fades when Burfict is on the field. He has the ability to not only make sure tackles but defend the pass. Although his speed isn’t that great, for a linebacker, he uses his other abilities to make it work. His quick reaction and nose for the ball have made him an elite linebacker when healthy.
Negatives of Resigning?
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After looking at the positives of bringing Burfict back, some may forget the negatives of re-signing him. Since coming into the league, Burfict has been recognized as one of the most feared defenders in the league for his knack to make big and scary hits. These “big” hits have caused him to create a reputation as a “dirty” player.
According to Spotrac, Burfict has lost a staggering $786,549 dollars from penalties and a three-game suspension for his play on the field. This kind of recklessness comes with its good and bad. The good is that he makes excellent plays on the ball and his ruthlessness is amazing when it’s not causing problems and penalties.
Signing him to a massive deal could backfire if he’s not on the field to deserve that contract. It not only hurts his value but also hurts the team cap wise and team wise when he’s not doing his job. One thing that people forget about Burfict is that he’s had no problems off the field at all. That is quite rare when a player is more of a problem on the field than off. He’s a great citizen and helps children around the Cincinnati area.
Verdict
I would definitely re-sign him due to the impact he has when he’s on the field. No one else intimidates on the Bengals defense like him. His leadership and knack for making plays have made him one of the best linebackers when on the field.
The key for Burfict is to put his head down (not literally) and not make questionable plays. If he can do that throughout the season, in his upcoming contract year, expect him to get paid like a top tier linebacker.
I would offer him a 2-3 year deal, due to his injuries and suspension problems. But, pay him like the top linebacker he is. In the end, the positives outweigh the negatives.