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While updating rookie contracts, it occurred to us: Why not rehash some of the contracts that are currently on file? For the next few weeks we'll take a look at a handful.
On Sept. 2, 2013, the Cincinnati Bengals finalized a five-year extension with defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Initial reports surfaced from Joe Reedy (formerly of the Cincinnati Enquirer and now Fox Sports) and Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer. The five-year extension, written on top of his four-year rookie deal, is worth $.
YEARS: Five (extension)
TOTAL: $53.327 million
SIGNING BONUS: $15 million
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Roster Bonus | Workout Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
| 2013 | $4,000,000 | $3,118,114 | - | - | $7,118,114 | $15,118,114 |
| 2014 | $2,700,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $300,000 | $9,000,000 | $12,300,000 |
| 2015 | $5,700,000 | $3,000,000 | - | $300,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 |
| 2016 | $6,300,000 | $3,000,000 | - | $300,000 | $9,600,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 2017 | $7,300,000 | $3,000,000 | - | $300,000 | $10,600,000 | $3,000,000 |
| 2018 | $9,250,000 | - | - | $300,000 | $9,550,000 | - |
Eventually the Bengals might see value in releasing Atkins if his production doesn't improve from his rehabilitated 2014 season. If Cincinnati released Atkins in 2016, they would see $3.6 million in cap savings -- and $7.6 million savings in 2017 and then $9.55 million savings in 2018. Obviously that won't happen -- especially if he's a contributing factor toward one of Marvin Lewis' eventual Super Bowls (are we being a bit optimistic?)