Logan Wilson committed to the Bengals to keep playing for Zac Taylor
The green dot for the Cincinnati Bengals' defense belongs on linebacker Logan Wilson's helmet, and he isn't giving it up anytime soon. Wilson will continue to make the calls for the Bengals' relentless defense over the next handful of years after signing a four-year, $37.25 million contract extension. There's no mystery as to why the Bengals […]
The green dot for the Cincinnati Bengals' defense belongs on linebacker Logan Wilson's helmet, and he isn't giving it up anytime soon. Wilson will continue to make the calls for the Bengals' relentless defense over the next handful of years after signing a four-year, $37.25 million contract extension.
There's no mystery as to why the Bengals prioritized keeping Wilson around for the foreseeable future. The 27-year old linebacker is one of the best all-around players at his position and is invaluable to making the unit operate effectively.
So why did Wilson want to stick around? To continue winning under head coach Zac Taylor.
In his first presser after putting pen to paper on his new contract, Wilson stated that the only coach he wants to have is the one who drafted him three years ago.
"One of the biggest reasons is I wanted to keep playing for Coach Taylor," Wilson said. "I think he's such a player's coach, he takes care of us like no other team does, and guys recover better because of that. He takes care of us if you're injured. All these different things that go into it.
"He's awesome. He's been tremendous to play for and there's just no other coach I wanted to play for at the end."
Wilson's praise for Taylor have been constantly echoed throughout the Bengals' locker room. Back in June, center Ted Karras called Taylor the "best scheduler" he's ever been around the NFL for his offseason practice layout.
Players love a coach who puts them, and their bodies, first. It's an invaluable endorsement for any player who is considering joining the team, or simply re-upping like Wilson just did. The former third-round pick has gone through multiple injuries during his three-year career thus far. He knows better than most how injured players working through recovery are treated under Taylor's command.
Wilson's health is of no concern with the season just over a month away. His game could reach another level with the security of a long-term deal now a reality. And he'll do it under the one head coach he wants to play for.
Bengals’ past failures at linebacker make Logan Wilson’s extension a no-brainer
Cincinnati will finally have long-term continuity at linebacker with Wilson in the fold.
Featured image via © Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
