The Cincinnati Bengals kept one of their best running backs on the roster. They agreed to a contract extension with Giovani Bernard for three-years worth $15.5 million. This will keep Bernard with the Bengals through the 2019 season.
Giovani Bernard has spent his three year NFL career with the Bengals after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Bernard is key to the Bengals’ offense. Bernard has 2,105 yards rushing and an impressive 4.3 yards per carry over his three years with the team. That takes pressure off quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton is a decent quarterback, but Bernard’s running establishes his ability to pass. Bernard can also punch the ball into the end zone with 12 touchdowns.
Opponents also need to watch out for him in the open field because of his ability to catch the football with a total of 1,335 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Bernard can do everything a team looks for in a running back including blocking for Andy Dalton so that he won’t get sacked.
According to ESPN, Bernard said, “It’s a dream come true. Me going somewhere else did not even sound right. Me not being in that orange, white and black didn’t sound right to me.”
The Bengals were smart to do this deal now. His current contract was set to expire after this upcoming season. Rather than let him test free agency, they got the deal done. The Bengals could have applied the franchise tag for one year or let him test the free agent market. If they let him test free agency, many teams would have an interest in signing him because of what he brings to a football team. Bernard knew how valuable he was to this team and the Bengals agreed.
The Bengals now have a respectable running back for years to come. They just hope he can stay away from injuries. If he can, Bernard can assist this team in winning the AFC North division and maybe winning a playoff game.
What do you think of Giovani Bernard staying with the Cincinnati
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