Andrew Whitworth: Why Extending the Cincinnati Bengals LT Was a Great Decision

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer has reported that the Cincinnati Bengals have come to terms on a contract extension for tackle Andrew Whitworth, and it may well be the best move they've made in years. 

The two-year contract extension will see him remain in Cincinnati through 2015; Whitworth had originally signed an extension back in 2008, with a base salary of $3.69 million this year. The deal struck today is said to bring Whitworth $20 million in new money.

The sixth-year player has become one of the league's best offensive tackles, giving up only two sacks last year (both of which happened inside the final minute of losses against Indianapolis and Atlanta). His stout play led him to be named the team's MVP by Cincinnati Pro Football Writers last year.

“You want to extend the guys who you know are committed to the program. It’s good to see the hard work you put in and to be able to get it to work for both sides," Whitworth said.  

"To be working on my third contract going into my sixth year tells me they appreciate what I’ve done as one of the leaders of this team, there’s no doubt we can win here with the right attitude and mindset and it falls to guys like me and Domata Peko and Chris Crocker and Bobbie Williams and the other leaders to make sure it happens," he told the press.

It's a very rare thing that a player wants to continue to be a Bengal (sigh), and it's enthusing to see Whitworth keen on establishing himself in his new role as the teams leader. 

During the lockout, Whitworth acted as the Bengals representative at labor negotiations, and extended that leadership role to organize team workouts at the University of Cincinnati in June.

“It’s amazing and one of those things where you go above and beyond as a leader on and off the field. I will continue to do that,” Whitworth said.

With Anthony Collins, Bobbie Williams, Kyle Cook, Nate Livings and Dennis Roland all currently in the final years of their contracts, the signing of Whitworth allows for continuity on the offensive line for the future.

Whitworth's return will be a great asset to not only new lineman in the next few years but to Andy Dalton and the WR/RB/TE corps too. With so many young faces on offense, Whitworth is one of few veterans left to groom the rookies, and the significance of his presence in the locker room as a mentor and a role model for younger players cannot be underestimated.

To give an example, Whitworth is the reason I still hold out hope for Andre Smith. He seems to be taking the troubled former first-round pick under his wing, and I shudder to think what would have happened if Whit wasn't around to play that role.

“Whit is a very fine player and also a team leader, so this is obviously good news for our team,” said head coach Marvin Lewis in a news release. “It’s good to get this done before the regular season begins, and I credit our front office as well as his side for making it happen.”

It's not often I get to say this, but, well done Bengals front office.