It could be that new Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has something special planned for all-purpose running back Giovani Bernard. Tuesday, the team locked up the seven-year vet with a two-year, $10.3 million contract extension.
Bernard has been a useful offensive weapon for the Bengals, even if he’s not the bell cow back. Until last year, he flirted with or crossed 1,000 yards from scrimmage from 2013-2017. Last year was a low for him, with 211 yards rushing, 218 yards receiving and three touchdowns, but he missed four games and the rest of the team was circling the drain as well.
Source: The #Bengals are signing RB Giovani Bernard to a two-year, $10.3 million extension. He gets a raise to $5.9 million this year and $11M over two, including a $600K guaranteed bonus due in March. Locking up a team leader and playmaker through 2021. 💰
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2019
Apparently, the new regime didn’t hold it against him.
Bernard is an excellent compliment to starter Joe Mixon, himself an runner and receiver. Last season Mixon gained 1,168 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and caught 43 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown. When Mixon is off the field, Taylor won’t have to alter the playcalls for Bernard.
Bernard was originally a second round pick out of North Carolina in 2013.
TRANSACTIONS
- Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor and the Jacksonville Jaguars have reached an injury settlement. He is now a free agent.
- Running back Doug Martin has been released by the Oakland Raiders from their Injured Reserve list.
- The Green Bay Packers completed a trade with the New York Giants for linebacker B.J. Goodson. Full details of the trade haven’t been released, but the Pack sent a late draft pick to New York.
- Defensive end Nate Orchard was cut by the Miami Dolphins as they claimed linebacker James Crawford off waivers.
- Linebacker Austin Calitro is now a Jacksonville Jaguar after the team signed him off the waiver wire from the Seattle Seahawks. To open a roster spot, the Jags cut linebacker Joe Giles-Harris.
- Center Brett Jones was cut by the Minnesota Vikings to make room for wide receiver Josh Doctson.
