The Cincinnati Bengals have signed Vontaze Burfict to a contract extension through 2017.

Burfict led the NFL in tackles in 2013 and was eligible for a new deal because he wasn't drafted.

“Vontaze is a special talent; he has shown us that from his first day here,” Marvin Lewis said. “He is a load physically and he’s extremely competitive, but what really makes him stand out is the instinct and feel he has for the game. It’s something born in him, you can’t coach a player to naturally react the way he does in all situations. This signing is a great move for the future of our defense.”

“It’s unusual to sign a player this early in his career to a contract extension, but Vontaze is a player who merits this,” executive vice president Katie Blackburn said. “He has proven to be an exceptional find for us, and we are happy to reward him now for his accomplishments. It’s good for him and good for our team.”