A few days ahead of the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals have decided to take care of business concerning their roster.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bengals have come to terms on a three-year, $38.7 million extension with Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

This is a significant pay raise from the four-year, $19 million deal that he signed back in 2014. Since joining the Bengals as an undrafted rookie back in 2012, Burfict has become one of the primary contributors to the team defensively over his first five seasons, recording 502 tackles over that stretch along with a Pro Bowl selection and a Second-Team All-Pro nod.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Bengals get official Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins injury designations for Week 1
Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase drops ‘aggravating’ admission on contract drama
Patriots vs. Bengals prediction, odds, pick for NFL Week 1
Fantasy Football Defense rankings – Week 1 (2024)

However, the 26-year-old has consistently been involved in questionable hits that have either landed him fines or suspensions. In fact, he is currently set to serve a three-game suspension for a hit made on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman in the preseason.

When Burfict is on the field, he has proven to be one of the league's most gifted defensive players. The only concern is that he has continued to make some head-scratching decisions. That said, this new deal now secures him as being one of the core pieces of the puzzle for the Bengals defensively over the next several years.