Eric Winston Re-Signs with Bengals: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

After appearing in four games for the Cincinnati Bengals late last season, offensive tackle Eric Winston is returning to the franchise in 2015.

Winston, who is also president of the NFL Players Association, announced Tuesday on Twitter that he re-signed with the Bengals:

AJ Mast/Associated Press

The Bengals signed Winston last December because their offensive line was decimated by injuries, most notably to right tackle Andre Smith. He started two games and played in Cincinnati's postseason loss against Indianapolis on January 4.

In January, Winston told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com that he was interested in returning as a backup to Smith if the team wanted him:

"

It’s the circle of life in the NFL. You come in as a backup, you earn a starting spot, you go out as a backup a lot of times. There’s interest on both sides. I don’t want to qualify their interest too much more than that. I think they’re definitely interested in it. I’m definitely interested in it and hopefully we’ll get something done.

"

The Bengals found out the hard way last year how valuable depth is on the offensive line. Winston has been a solid, consistent player throughout his career, appearing in 112 consecutive games from 2007-13. 

Winston can be counted on to start if needed, but he is also a strong personality to have in the locker room. He clearly made an impression on head coach Marvin Lewis in a short amount of time last year and will be able to do it again in 2015.