The Cincinnati Bengals' recent history of awarding contract extensions suggests that a new deal could be in the offing for cornerback Leon Hall at some point in the near future.
According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, the franchise traditionally tries to lock up core players during the third year of their rookie contracts.
Under coach Marvin Lewis' direction, this has included lucrative contract extensions in the past for quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, and defensive end Robert Geathers during or after their third NFL seasons.
"Hall has to be considered as he heads into his third season," Hobson writes. "He had a rough first half of his rookie year, but he has become what the Bengals thought he would be: Smart, physical, reliable."
As a first-round pick in 2007, Hall signed a five-year, $11 million rookie contract that expires after the 2011 season.
He was arrested and charged with a DUI this offseason, but he accepted a plea bargain where he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of reckless operation of a vehicle.
Sentenced to three days in a residential driver intervention program and fined $250, Hall also was required to donate $500 to the USO and complete 64 hours of community service.
In two NFL seasons, Hall has recorded 143 tackles and eight interceptions.
The former first-round draft pick from Michigan started every game last season and registered 75 tackles and three interceptions.
Leon better cash in now while the iron is hot. With Ken Dorsey out of the division, his INT's are going to plummet this year.
I hope they do lock him up. He is a solid corner.