Cornerback Darqueze Dennard hasn’t exactly been such a big hit with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former first-round pick failed to establish himself in the Bengals’ secondary early on as he started a mere four games in his first three seasons in the league.
However, Dennard did just have his best season in 2017. He played all 16 games and had 83 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks－all new career-highs. He also ended up playing the most snaps of any cornerback on the team.
Dennard’s fine year has helped his chances of doing well for himself on his next deal, which he’s due next offseason. But he claims he’s not worried about his contract and is instead focused on getting even better.
“It’s not a thought at all,” Dennard said, via Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’m just focused on football and trying to be the best Darqueze Dennard I can be, be the best football player I can be and help the team win. I mean, I’m not too much worried about contracts. That will figure itself out.”
Dennard will have some competition for playing time at corner with veteran Dre Kirkpatrick locked in long-term and another former first-rounder in William Jackson coming into his own.
It remains to be seen whether the Bengals will be ready to commit the necessary funds to keep hold of the corner. But if he successfully builds off of last year’s promising display, Dennard should like his chances of landing that big deal, even if it may not come from Cincinnati.
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