Cincinnati Bengals exercise fifth-year option on left tackle Jonah Williams

The Bengals have exercised the fifth-year option on left tackle Jonah Williams, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. As a result, Williams will remain under Bengals control through the 2023 season.

Although he was the 11th overall pick of the 2019 draft, Williams didn’t play as a rookie because of left shoulder problems. However, the former Alabama standout has since developed into a key member of the Bengals’ offensive line. Williams has started in all 26 of his appearances, including 16 last season for the defending AFC champions.

While Cincinnati could work out an extension with quarterback Joe Burrow‘s blindside protector sometime soon, the club currently doesn’t have to worry about losing Williams for at least another couple of years. Williams, 24, is due to earn $12.6M in 2023 under his option.