The Cincinnati Bengals signed star defensive tackle Geno Atkins to a four-year, $65.3 million extension on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
Atkins will be paid $25.5 million in the first year of his contract. ESPN's Adam Schefter added that $37.5 million - more than half the deal - will come within his first two years. The $16.3 million yearly average is the highest yearly average signed by a 30+ year old non-QB in NFL history.
The Bengals agreed to terms on a three-year, $45 million extension for defensive end Carlos Dunlap shortly after signing Atkins, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported.