Yes, the Bengals and defensive tackle Geno Atkins have been talking about extending a rookie deal that expires after the coming season.
No, a deal isn’t on the brink of happening.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, nothing is imminent between the Bengals and Atkins. The talks, which we’re told have been occurring for months, have no clear timeline.
The talks were first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The Bengals surely would use the franchise tag to keep Atkins in place, if his contract expires without an extension. The Bengals currently have $17 million in cap space, according to NFLPA records.
A fourth-round pick in 2010, Atkins is due to make $1.423 million in 2013.
Regarded as one of the top defensive players in the game, the Bengals would be wise to get Atkins under contract — especially since the first guy in line after 2013 could be receiver A.J. Green, who will be two years away from free agency but who will presumably want the big deal he didn’t get as a top-five draft pick in 2011, thanks to the rookie wage scale.