Andrew Whitworth on criticism of Bengals: 'I wish I handled it better'

In search of a long-term extension as he heads into the final year of his contract, Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth hasn't been shy about criticizing the way the club has handled his situation thus far.

The nine-year pro backed off his comments Saturday, however, conceding that there was a more appropriate way for him to go about the process.

"Because I hold myself to a high standard, I wish I had handled it better," Whitworth told reporters. "To me, it's always about making decisions that reflect my leadership and who I am."

Whitworth made headlines earlier in the week when he voiced his frustrations, characterizing his relationship with the organization as a "one-way street."

Though his consistent play over the course of his nine-year career in Cincinnati would seemingly put him in line for a new deal, the Bengals' selection of both Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher early on in last week's draft indicates they're planning to get younger at the offensive tackle position.

The 33-year-old would generate significant interest on the open market if he does become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2015 season, but it doesn't seem as though he's willing to go elsewhere at this point in his career.

"I won't play anywhere else," Whitworth said. "I'll never put on another uniform other than a Cincinnati Bengal uniform, and that's all that's important to me."

Whitworth has started in 132 regular-season games since first joining the Bengals as a second-round draft selection in 2006, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2014.