Following an action-packed first two days of the NFL‘s legal tampering period, the Cincinnati Bengals continued to make moves on Wednesday. Cincinnati addressed arguably their biggest need with their latest reported signing.
Cincinnati Bengals News Today
According to multiple reports, former Bengals starting right tackle Jonah Williams found a new home in free agency. Cincinnati is working quickly to find his replacement, as they will reportedly host a former first-round pick on a visit.
All of that and more in today’s Bengals news!
Signing Sheldon Rankins Is a Step Outside the Bengals’ Comfort Zone
As the Bengals prepare for the potential departure of former starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader, they reportedly made a massive addition on Monday. Reader is scheduled to visit the Detroit Lions, and the Bengals didn’t waste any time in an attempt to find a reinforcement on the defensive line.
Cincinnati reportedly agreed to a two-year, $26 million deal with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Pro Football Network’s Jay Morrison analyzed the reported signing and discussed how the Bengals stepped outside of their comfort zone with their latest move.
READ MORE: Sheldon Rankins Fills Cincinnati’s Biggest Need
Former Cincinnati Tackle Jonah Williams Finds New Home
Nobody was surprised to see Williams depart from Cincinnati and sign with a new team in free agency. Yet, where he signed was a bit of a surprise, given their current situation along the offensive line. Williams reportedly signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Many believed that Williams’ decision to leave the Bengals was fueled by his desire to start at left tackle. Now he’s headed to Arizona, where the Cardinals may plan to move Paris Johnson to left tackle this upcoming season. It will be interesting to see where Williams starts for the Cardinals next season.
CONTINUE READING: Jonah Williams Moves on From Cincinnati
Why the Bengals Cut Nick Scott
After spending just one season in Cincinnati, the Bengals reportedly cut safety Nick Scott on Wednesday. Scott was part of their free agent class in 2023, signing a three-year deal with the Bengals.
Yet, his contract was essentially structured as a one-year deal, allowing Cincinnati to maintain financial flexibility this offseason. Following the signing of safety Geno Stone, Cincinnati moved on from Scott and saved $2.3 million in salary cap space.
KEEP READING: Potential Impact of Nick Scott’s Release
Mekhi Becton Scheduled To Visit Cincinnati
Cincinnati isn’t wasting any time finding its next starting right tackle after Williams signed with the Cardinals. The Bengals will reportedly host former New York Jets RT Mekhi Becton for a visit on Thursday.
While Becton has failed to live up to his expectations coming into the NFL, he’s still just 24 years old. After dealing with several injuries to start his career, Becton started 16 games for the Jets last season and flashed potential between his struggles.
RELATED: 2024 NFL Free Agency Mock Draft
Tyler Boyd and Pittsburgh Steelers Have Mutual Interest
After placing the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, it was clear that Tyler Boyd’s days in Cincinnati were likely over. Boyd is currently a free agent and reportedly shares a mutual interest in signing with an AFC North rival.
The 29-year-old wide receiver played for eight seasons with the Bengals and is now considering heading home to Pittsburgh. Boyd was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania, and played college football at Pittsburgh. Following the Steelers’ trade of Diontae Johnson, Boyd makes sense as a potential free agent target for the Steel City.
KEEP READING: Best Fits for Remaining Free Agents
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