Former Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Vinny Curry is set to visit with the Cincinnati Bengals today. The Buccaneers released Curry last month, saving them $8 million in cap space.
The 30-year-old pass rusher is a former Philly second round pick. He signed a three-year deal worth $23 million with $6.5 million guaranteed to play for the Bucs a year ago, when the Eagles cut him after six years with the team.
Curry was dealing with a nagging ankle injury throughout the season, playing seven of 12 games, finishing with 21 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also lost the job to Carl Nassib, a player claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. In 15 games and nine starts, Nassib had 6.5 sacks and 29 combined tackles.
The Bucs are undergoing a scheme change under new defensive coordinator, former New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, into more of a 3-4 defense, making Curry more expendable. Heading into the offseason, the Bucs had about $15 million in salary cap space, the $8 million Curry was set to make was all non-guaranteed.
Curry won a championship with the Eagles in Super Bowl LII. During his six seasons in Philadelphia, Curry racked up 22 sacks, including nine in 2014. Throughout his tenure in Philly, there was talk of Curry being used out of position at times. He’s 6-foot-3 and 279 pounds, but was asked to play an outside linebacker role at times with Philadelphia
Cincinnati had previously brought in former Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett for a meeting before he signed with Tampa Bay. The Bengals are looking for some sort of pass rushing answer, defensive end Michael Johnson is a free agent and unlikely to return,. Whether they can sign Curry or not, the Bengals will turn to a group comprising of Sam Hubbard, Carl Lawson, and Carlos Dunlap in order to pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2019.
Follow Us
Subscribe