Bengals extend DT Atkins, DE Dunlap

The Cincinnati Bengals locked up a pair of Pro Bowl defensive linemen on Tuesday, announcing the signings of defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive end Carlos Dunlap to extensions.

Atkins signed a four-year extension, putting him under contract through 2022. Per multiple reports, that deal is worth $65.3 million and pays Atkins $37.5 million in the first two years. The annual average of $16.3 million ranks second among all NFL defensive tackles, behind only Philadelphia's Fletcher Cox ($17.1 million).

Dunlap signed a three-year extension for a reported $45 million. The $15 million annual average ties him with Jacksonville's Calais Campbell for sixth among defensive ends, and fourth among those on multi-year contracts.

"We're very happy to sign Geno and Carlos," team executive vice president Katie Blackburn said in a statement. "We think very highly of them. They have been such great players for us, and we're excited to have them continue their careers as Cincinnati Bengals."

Atkins, 30, was set to make $9.25 million in 2018, the final year of a five-year, $53.3 million extension. He tallied 9.0 sacks last season to bring his total to 29.0 since 2015, one shy of Aaron Donald for the most by a defensive tackle in that span.

Entering his ninth season, Atkins has not missed a game or a Pro Bowl since 2011, except for the 2013 campaign, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament after nine games. He has 61.0 career sacks since the Bengals took him in the fourth round of the 2010 draft.

Dunlap, 29, is also entering his ninth season after being picked two rounds before Atkins in 2010. He was set to make $7 million in 2018, the final year of a five-year, $39.4 million extension.

Dunlap has played in all 80 games (starting 79) over the last five years and earned Pro Bowl nods in 2015 and 2016. He had 7.5 sacks last season and 64.5 in his career, though he has reached double digits just once (13.5 in 2015).

Asked by the team's website which of the draft classmates will finish his career with more sacks, Atkins declined to pick, but he said he's enjoyed his time teaming with Dunlap to harass quarterbacks.

"Time will tell," Atkins said. "We came in together. I guess we'll leave together. It's a blessing both us of are able to stay here four more years."

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)