Cincinnati Bengals Give Gio Bernard a Three-Year Contract Extension

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed running back Giovani Bernard to a new contract.

With one year remaining on his rookie contract, the Cincinnati Bengals knew they had to lock-up Giovani Bernard for the long term to keep their dual-running back tandem together. Wednesday afternoon, the club announced Bernard has agreed to a three-year contract worth $15.5 million. Six million of his new deal will be earned during the 2016 season.

Bernard was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. Despite not starting one game his rookie season, Bernard rushed for 695 yards and five touchdowns. He also provided support as a receiver with over 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2013.

The Bengals also drafted Jeremy Hill out of LSU in 2014, which became a tremendous move after Bernard missed time with hip and shoulder injuries that season. Despite missing three game Bernard had nearly identical stats in his sophomore season.

Last season however was a bit of a drop-off year for Bernard scoring wise, as he only rushed for two touchdowns. He did however set a career high in rushing yards with nearly 800 and also improved in his yards per catch and yards per rush.

With Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones leaving Cincinnati in free agency, the Bengals may have to rely on the run slightly more. This could also protect Andy Dalton, who is coming off an injury. A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd will be the primary receiving weapons, but Bernard will be an additional threat opponents must game plan for.

The Bengals are currently in the midsts of their third round of voluntary OTAs and will open mandatory mini-camp June 14th as they prepare to win their first playoff game since 1990 and reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1998. The franchise has reached the Super Bowl twice (both in the 80’s) but has never won a title.

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