Whitworth says he's discussing potential deal to re-sign with Bengals

Andrew Whitworth's continued dominance may end up pushing the transition plan back at least another year.

The Cincinnati Bengals' veteran lineman, who is scheduled to hit the free-agent market next month, told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday that he's been in contact with the team about a new deal.

Cincinnati selecting Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher in the first two rounds of the 2015 draft was the first sign of the team preparing for life after its longtime left tackle.

He's shown no signs of slowing down 11 seasons into his NFL career, though, quite possibly forcing the Bengals' hand in bringing him back to lead the offensive front.

The 35-year-old has started all but two games in the past eight seasons, and an impressive total of 164 since landing with the Bengals as a second-round pick back in 2006.

Perfectly following up a 2015 campaign in which he earned First-Team All-Pro honors, Whitworth received his third career Pro Bowl nod after not giving up a single sack this past season.