Geno Atkins
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, a “chasm” exists between the Bengals and DT Geno Atkins regarding a long-term extension.
La Canfora adds that there’s some “skepticism as about how deep the Bengals will dig to keep talent.“
Atkins, 25, set to make a very reasonable $1.4 million for the 2013 season and Cincinnati is sitting on a pile of cash – $19.96 million in cap space to be exact.
There’s no question that Atkins is already among the best interior defensive lineman in the game, so he’s in a great position to secure a huge contract at some point in the near. It’s hard to imagine the Bengals allowing someone this talented to get away, so he’s a prime candidate for the franchise next year.
We have Atkins listed as the No. 2 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.
Michael Johnson
Jason La Canfora reports that “there doesn’t seem to be much optimism” that a long-term extension for Bengals DE Michael Johnson will be reached at any point in the near future.
La Canfora adds that the two sides haven’t been able to agree on Johnson’s market value and the fact that Atkins is also set to become an unrestricted free agent makes it all the more likely that Cincinnati will allow him to test the open market.
Johnson, 26, was franchised back in February and will make $11.2 million for the upcoming season. If he’s able to produce similar numbers to what he put up last year, he figures to be one of the hottest free agents come next March.
We have Johnson listed as the No. 17 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.
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