Age proved to be just a number for the Cincinnati Bengals keeping center Ted Karras around
The oldest player on the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the last players one could expect to be handed more money. Center Ted Karras has done more than enough to become an exception to what has become standard practice in Cincinnait. Karras and the Bengals were able to knock out a one-year contract extension on […]
The oldest player on the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the last players one could expect to be handed more money. Center Ted Karras has done more than enough to become an exception to what has become standard practice in Cincinnait.
Karras and the Bengals were able to knock out a one-year contract extension on the last day of mandatory minicamp before the veteran captain and his 86 teammates went off for summer break. The reasons behind this move become more clear the further down the list you go.
Why the Bengals extend 31-year old Ted Karras
Karras, who turned 31 back on March 15, is more than just the elder statesman of the roster. The Bengals became his third team in as many seasons two years ago, and if you didn't know any better, you'd think he's been a part of the franchise for a decade the way his name carries weight around the city.
On top of providing unspectacular-yet-dependable center play in the middle of a consistently embattled offensive line, Karras quickly rose to a leadership role in every facet he could muster. He's the owner of a Super Bowl ring and the wisdom that comes attached with it. He releases an intensity that his uncle Alex Karras had as a former player and wrestler.
And oh yeah, those Cincy hats you may see just about everywhere in the tri-state area? That was him too. He nearly became the Walter Payton Man of the Year because of the work that those hats benefit. The people sure made their choice for him.
An extensive resume still didn't make Karras any younger than he is, which is why this extension is notable. The new deal will essentially turn into a two-year, $12 million deal that runs through the 2025. He was set to enter the last year of a three-year, $18 million contract he signed back in 2022, which will still pay him $6.4 million for the 2024 season. Consider this a one-year add on for nearly the exact same sum.
Karras be 32 years old making about $6 million next season. Prior to this offseason, that would've been hard to fathom, no matter the fan favorite and community ambassador he's transformed into being.
Third contracts and players aged out of traditional prime range aren't common targets the Bengals direct their focus towards, even for one-year agreements. And yet, Vonn Bell, Sheldon Rankins, and Trent Brown all figure to impact this year's team greatly at age 30 or above for various degrees of monetary commitment.
Karras fits well within that group of seasoned players, and had another aspect of leverage to promote his case as well.
The future of the center position in Cincinnati
Finding Karras' future replacement was a goal for the Bengals during the 2024 NFL Draft, and it took director of player personnel Duke Tobin and Co. seven rounds to land a prospect at the position. Matt Lee out of Miami (FL.) could've been drafted a few rounds earlier, but the Bengals gladly took what has been deemed a steal with their final pick in the draft.
Despite the potential of Lee, seventh-round picks hardly pan out to be much more than serviceable spot starters at most. Planning on him taking over for an established vet in a year's time would be a serious task for the 22-year old rookie to take on.
This extension not only extends the runway for Lee to garner additional NFL strength, it opens the door for other possible replacements to enter the picture before Karras' time does come to an end.
On that subject, Karras told reporters Thursday that he does want to retire in Cincinnati. Whether that's following the expiration of this contract remains to be seen, but no NFL player knows what his body will feel like at age 33.
The most popular 31 year old in town has been given more time to find out.
Ted Karras has the perfect nickname for the Bengals’ skyscrapers at offensive tackle
Can’t get more Cincinnati than this.
