The Cincinnati Bengals reworked and extended Carson Palmer's contract on Thursday, giving themselves more salary cap flexibility and a chance to keep their franchise quarterback through 2014. By adding six years to a deal that could pay him $118.75 million, they also showed they're serious about winning for years to come. The Bengals have won the AFC North title and are preparing for their first playoff appearance in 15 years. "We've knocked down another one of those walls," coach Marvin Lewis said. Palmer won the Heisman Trophy at Southern California and was the first overall pick in 2003. His current contract had three more years. The Bengals approached Palmer's agent, David Dunn, about an extension a few months ago, indicating they wanted to keep him for the rest of his career. In only his second season as a starter, Palmer has led his team to the playoffs, set a franchise record for touchdown passes and made the Pro Bowl.