Running back Giovani Bernard has accounted for at least 1,000 total yards in each of his first three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. On Wednesday, Bernard and the Bengals officially agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension.
NEWS: #Bengals sign @G_Bernard25 to 3 yr contract extension running through 2019. #LetsRoar pic.twitter.com/PF23nD7584
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) June 8, 2016
Tom Pelissero of USA Today previously reported that the deal was for $15.5 million.
There’s nothing really surprising or outlandish here. Bernard has been a valuable piece of the Cincinnati offense throughout his career.
He and Jeremy Hill combined for over 1,500 rushing yards last year, and in the modern era, having two dependable backs is an absolute necessity for teams. While Hill is perhaps the better rusher, Bernard is a much better receiver.
In his three years in the NFL, Bernard has caught no fewer 43 passes in a season. On the ground, he’s added at least 680 yards each season. In 2015, he rushed for a career high 730 yards while putting up over 450 receiving yards.