The Cincinnati Bengals extended tender offers to wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Dane Sanzenbacher and linebacker Vincent Rey, the team announced Wednesday.
The three fourth-year players are set to become restricted free agents when their current contracts expire at Saturday’s NFL deadline.
“This is part of the yearly process to help us retain our core of good young players,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. “Andrew, Vinny and Dane have earned the opportunity to look at the market, but we want them back with us. They are certainly in our plans.”
Beginning Saturday, the three players have the right to negotiate with other teams, but the tenders allow the Bengals to match another offer. The deadline for a restricted free agent to sign an offer sheet from another team is May 2. After that date, a player’s 2014 rights revert exclusively to his 2013 team.
Hawkins returned last season for the final eight regular-season games and the wild-card playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers after missing the first eight games with an ankle injury. He has 86 catches for 995 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons with the Bengals.
Rey played in all 17 games last season and subbed for starting middle linebacker Rey Maualuga while he was sidelined for three games with an injury. Rey’s 54 tackles in 2013 included 4.0 sacks. He also had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Sanzenbacher saw action in 10 games last season and started one. He had six receptions for 61 yards.