Jim Owczarski

jowczarski@enquirer.com

In his final formal media session of the 2015 season, Adam Jones expressed his desire to stay in Cincinnati but admitted he had to explore his options.

“The window of contracts is only so small,” he said back in early in January.

Bengals free agent tracker

On Wednesday, Jones and the Bengals agreed that the window was open just enough to make sure the cornerback remained in Cincinnati for three more years. The Enquirer learned from a league source that the deal for the Pro Bowl corner is worth more than $20 million.

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Jones' agreement comes on the heels of the re-signing of starting strong safety George Iloka earlier in the day.

"I'm so happy we got almost the whole secondary back," cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. "I know we have unfinished business to take of and I know winning a championship is the number one goal."

Jones, who will be 33 years old at the start of the 2016 NFL season, knew his time in the league is running short; but he also was finishing off a 3-year, $5 million contract he outperformed with an All-Pro kick return campaign in 2014 and a Pro Bowl season at corner last year.

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“We like Adam,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said at the scouting combine in late February. “He’s done a good job for us. He’s grown his role. He’s also a very passionate football player. He makes impactful plays for us. I think he’s really grown in our system. There’s a fit there.”

In 2015, Jones played 14 games as a starter and intercepted three passes while knocking down 12 more. He also forced a fumble. A foot injury sidelined him for two games, which also limited his ability in the return game.

He has been a reliable presence since 2012, missing just the two games last year. Over the last four seasons, he has nine interceptions and 47 passes defensed. He also has three fumble recoveries and two sacks.

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