The Cincinnati Bengals got one of the biggest steals in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft when they selected linebacker Logan Wilson out of Wyoming. After being a part-time player on defense, spending a lot of time on special teams as a rookie, Wilson earned a starting spot heading into Year 2 and hasn’t looked back.

Wilson has become an integral part of the Bengals’ defense in the last two seasons. Cincinnati has received incredible value, as he is vastly outperforming the rookie contract that he signed; a four-year deal worth $4,945,592.

Heading into the final year of that contract, Wilson is hopeful that an extension can be worked out. Alas, he isn’t concerning himself with it, saying he is controlling what he can. His agent is taking the lead on that one and having discussions with the team, but Wilson is hoping talks results in him remaining with the Bengals.

“I know we’ve talked about it and so hopefully get something done, but it’s really not up to me,” Wilson said, via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “That’s what I have an agent for.”

Wilson is coming off of yet another productive season. In 15 games, all starts, he racked up a career-high 123 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits. He also added three tackles for loss, a career-high tying four passes defended and one interception.

Letting a player of that caliber go is usually bad for business. Wilson is a homegrown player that earned a spot in the starting lineup and has improved each season with the team; those are the kind of players you want to keep around for as long as possible.

The bright lights of the postseason haven’t gotten to Wilson either. In seven playoff games, he has 62 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, three passes defended and one interception. 

Getting an extension done ASAP is probably smart for the Bengals given the boom in the linebacker market this offseason. Another season of that caliber from Wilson and his price tag is going to just keep rising.