The Cincinnati Bengals struck gold when they took a chance on former Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict as an undrafted free agent. Now as a Pro Bowl linebacker, Burfict is set to get his reward. Both sides are in talks about a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Vontaze Burfict, Cincinnati Bengals discussing new contract, according to report
Vontaze Burfict and the Bengals are discussing a new contract after two successful NFL seasons together.
Andy Lyons
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Burfict, 23, has been one of the best bargain players in the NFL since joining the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He is due to make just $570,000 in 2014 as part of the final season of the three-year, $1.441 million deal he received as a rookie, which included a $1,000 signing bonus.
While Burfict hasn’t cashed in big during his two seasons in the NFL, he has earned himself his fair share of bonuses due to his solid play on the field. He led the NFL in performance-based pay in 2012, and was second in 2013, raking in $615,312 in bonuses.
Still, that number pales in comparison to the money that Burfict will receive when the Bengals reach a new contract with the linebacker.
Finding a contract comparison for Burfict is difficult because he's still a young player for how productive he has been. The largest contract given to a linebacker in 2014 free agency was a four-year, $24 million deal for Karlos Dansby. Burfict will certainly eclipse that figure.
A better benchmark may be the five-year, $34.75 million deal given to Dannell Ellerbe in 2013. While Burfict is four years younger than Ellerbe was when he signed his deal -- and quite frankly, a better player -- the Miami Dolphins also dished out an amount that many thought was excessive for a player that hadn't fully proven himself with the Baltimore Ravens.
Regardless, Burfict appears to be on his way to joining Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and Arian Foster as one of the few undrafted players in the NFL to cash in big on a second contract. It wasn't always a story of beating the odds for Burfict, however. A five-star recruit out of high school and the No. 1 middle linebacker in the country, there were always expectations of greatness for the Los Angeles native.
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He validated those expectations by winning Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and All-America nods from several publications in 2010. However, he had a tumultuous relationship with ASU head coach Dennis Erickson that resulted in his benching at times, and Burfict struggled to make an impact in 2011.
After foregoing his senior season to enter the 2012 NFL Draft, Burfict struggled throughout the pre-draft process and reportedly failed a drug test at the NFL Combine. Once thought to be a sure-fire first round selection, Burfict's stock tanked and he was one of the highest profile players to not hear his name called.
Flash forward two years later and Burfict is one of the best players and leaders on a Cincinnati defense that finished in the top five for fewest points and yards allowed. Only three 4-3 outside linebackers -- Von Miller, Lavonte David and Thomas Davis -- received higher grades from Pro Football Focus than Burfict.
Burfict is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after the 2014 season if the team does not reach a long-term deal prior.
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