Once undrafted, Vincent Rey gets 'tangible validation' from new deal

Vincent Rey's three-year, $11.5 million contract is his richest so far. Tom Szczerbowski/Getty ImagesCINCINNATI -- Thursday was a day of reflection for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vincent Rey.

"I just think about coming from Duke and being undrafted," the seventh-year veteran said, minutes after signing a three-year, $11.5 million deal that will keep him in Cincinnati. "I'm just thankful that the Bengals gave me a chance to go here and come to rookie minicamps and OTAs and training camp year after year.

"And now I'm here signing a deal. It's amazing just to think about that."

Rey's contract, one that will make him the Bengals' third-highest paid linebacker, is the fifth of his career. His…