One of the most beloved Cincinnati Bengals might have a chance to return to The Jungle. According to a report on Bengalswire.com, Geno Atkins could find himself wearing orange and black again.
Cincinnati cut Atkins, an eight-time Pro Bowler, last month in NFL Free Agency talks.
Geno Atkins Reunion With Bengals?
The Bengals released the decorated defensive tackle on March 19 in an effort to save money in anticipation of securing the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The report cited Duke Tobin, the director of player personnel with the Bengals, that a reunion “could always happen.”
“Geno is one of the greatest players in franchise history and one of the best defensive tackle of the last decade,” Tobin said to Geoff Hobson. “He gave us what he had last year … We’ll see if there are things that can be worked out. If it is, great. If not, I think we’ve got other guys that can fill the role.”
Last season, Atkins, who made the first team All-Pro roster three times, was placed on the injured reserve list on Dec. 16, 2020 after shoulder surgery. He played in only eight games and had one tackle.
Over his 11-year career in Cincinnati, the 6-1, 300-pounder had 384 tackles, 75.5 sacks, six pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown.
He was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and was the 120th pick overall. He has played his entire career with the Bengals.
According to reports, the Bengals tried to rework a deal to keep Atkins from being the team’s highest-capped player, but no party could agree to terms.
Hobson’s report stated that, “if Atkins has a soft market after the draft and into training camps next year, he could always end up back where he’s familiar, playing with a revamped unit on a rotational basis.”
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