Vontaze Burfict, Cincinnati Bengals reach impasse in extension talks
The Cincinnati Bengals would like to do anything they can to keep linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
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Since going undrafted in 2012, Burfiect has turned into one of the better linebackers in football. Last season, Burfict made a league-high 170 tackles, had three sacks, picked off one pass, forced a fumble, recovered two and scored a touchdown. If the two teams cannot work out a deal, Burfict will become a restricted free agent after the season. Because he went undrafted, unlike the members of class of 2012 that were drafted, the Bengals can extend Burfict now.
In April, a report surfaced that the Cincinnati Bengals and linebacker Vontaze Burfict were opening up discussions on a new deal. Then, in May, there were several reports the two sides were progressing towards a new deal.
However, according to sources of Adam Caplan of Sirius XM Radio and ESPN, the two sides have reached a contract impasse.
#Bengals starting WLB Vontaze Burfict and the team appear to have reached a contract impasse, according to a source.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 31, 2014
Burfict led the NFL in tackles last season, made the pro bowl. Quite a story after not being drafted.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 31, 2014
Burfict is scheduled to make $570,000 in 2014.
Burfict fought off character concerns to become the NFL player that many thought he could be when he first arrived in college with the Arizona State Sun Devils as a very highly-touted recruit. In his career, Burfict has 298 tackles, four sacks, four fumbles recovered, four forced fumbles, one interception and eight passes defended.