The Cincinnati Bengals continued their free-agent spending spree on Tuesday by locking up former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1240023288761536514
The Bengals have also reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth up to $53 million with former Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader—the largest contract ever handed out to a nose tackle.
Cincinnati's signing of Waynes comes minutes after the team lost one of their incumbent defensive backs, Darqueze Dennard—who landed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dennard had solid 2019 season for the hapless 2-14 Bengals defense, which gave up the 29th most yards per game in the league.
The franchise is clearly looking for a quick turnaround considering its moves so far in free agency and the expected selection of ex-LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the no. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Waynes could instantly become the Bengals top corner, and the team's third former first-round pick at the position. Returning backs William Jackson is entering a contract year, while Dre Kirkpatrick struggled last season. In five seasons with Minnesota, Waynes started 53 games, picked off seven passes, and consistently rated as an above-average corner (though never elite) on Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings defense has taken a hit so far this offseason, as the team also released veteran corner Xavier Rhodes and defensive end Linval Joseph last week.
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