CINCINNATI – After locking up three of their free agents between Saturday and today, the Cincinnati Bengals saw their first one get away.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is following former Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to Tennessee, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with the Titans.
Chiboe Awuzie Leaves the Cincinnati Bengals for the Tennessee Titans
Awuzie never was a realistic option to remain with the Bengals, and Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan reported Monday morning the Titans were expected to pursue him.
The #Titans are expected to pursue #Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie in free agency, sources tell @caplannfl. 👀
One source says Tennessee is looking for a high-character veteran who will “set the standard” in practice and on the field. #TitanUp | #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/gyOhAVmzj2
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 11, 2024
Cincinnati selected defensive backs with four premium picks in the last two drafts: Dax Hill (first round, 2022), Cam Taylor-Britt (second round, 2022), DJ Turner II (second round, 2023), and Jordan Battle (third round, 2023).
Awuzie was everything the Bengals hoped he would be when they signed him to a three-year, $21.8 million contract as part of the 2021 free agency class.
His contract with the Titans is reportedly for three years, $36 million, according to NFL Networks’ Mike Garafolo.
New #Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie's deal: Three years, $36 million with $23 million guaranteed. A few teams were after Awuzie but he was interested in joining former #Bengals OC Brian Callahan in Tennessee to help set the culture there.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
He instantly became a leader on a defense that spearheaded Cincinnati’s run to Super Bowl 56 in 2021. In 2022, Awuzie played the best football of his life before tearing his ACL in a Week 8 game at Cleveland.
Even without the injury, it would have been unlikely for the Bengals to try to re-sign Awuzie given the amount of draft capital they have invested in the secondary.
In his three seasons with the Bengals, Awuzie had two interceptions, 25 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
He also had a diving interception in Super Bowl 56 against the Los Angeles Rams.
A second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, Awuzie will be 29 in May. He still has a lot of good football in front of him, but the Bengals weren’t going to put that much money into the position given the up-and-coming talent they have acquired in the NFL Draft.
Grade: B+
As obvious as the decision should have been to let Awuzie walk, it’s hard to give the move an A when that much talent and leadership departs.
Even once Awuzie had fully healed from the ACL injury, the Bengals were committed to starting rookie Turner until late in the season when he hit the rookie wall and the team increased Awuzie’s snap count.
Awuzie played a big role in Cincinnati’s improbable turnaround and postseason run in 2021. But the Bengals have a strong record of knowing when to say when, and letting Awuzie sign for big dollars elsewhere is absolutely the right move.
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