The Cincinnati Bengals are making progress toward locking up the NFL's leading tackler in 2013 to a long-term contract.
According to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo, the Bengals and representatives for linebacker Vontaze Burfictmet this week to discuss a new contract for the Pro Bowl linebacker.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported in April that the sides were working on a "big extension" that would keep Burfict in Cincy.
The recent report indicates those talks are moving forward.
Under Marvin Lewis, the 23-year-old linebacker has been phenomenal. He compiled 171 combined tackles, three sacks, six passes defensed and an interception in 2013. In his rookie season, he racked up 127 tackles.
The athletic sideline-to-sideline defender who can both tackle and cover tight ends is a commodity in the NFL.
As an undrafted free agent, Burfict would be a restricted free agent next year -- meaning he could be under Cincinnati's control cheaply for the next two seasons without a new deal. The Bengals, however, are trying to lock down the linebacker sooner rather than later.
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