Following a breakout 2015 campaign, the Cincinnati Bengals signed safety Shawn Williams to a contract extension Tuesday.
The team announced that it is a four-year deal, but financial terms have yet to be released.
Williams, 25, appeared in all 16 games last season, registering 32 tackles and the first two interceptions of his career in four starts.
Cincinnati decided against re-signing longtime starter Reggie Nelson, which means Williams will assume that role with Nelson now part of the Oakland Raiders roster.
Per Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals have long viewed Williams as a starting-caliber player:
#Bengals have said since the beginning they believe in Shawn Williams and he's a starting player.