The Bengals are keeping another in-house free agent, as they have re-signed WR Trent Taylor to a 1 year contract.
Taylor joined the Bengals in 2021, initially starting out on the team’s practice squad. He was later promoted to the roster and served as the team’s primary punt returner, and gave the team depth at the slot position.
Taylor isn’t a super dynamic returner, but is crafty enough to quietly give you decent production when the opportunities present themselves. As a receiver, much of the same can be said. He is decent depth for the slot, but won’t blow you away. Part-way through this past season, he actually fell behind Trenton Irwin on the depth chart.
He will be back in the offseason and likely will have to battle with other free agents/draft picks/UDFA’s for a spot. His experience on special teams gives him a leg up, with it would not be surprising to see a younger, more dynamic receiver take his spot, should the Bengals get their hands on one.
The Bengals have also signed G/OT Cody Ford to a 1 year deal.
Ford was a highly touted prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, which led to the Bills using a 2nd round pick on him. Things didn’t workout, and he was traded to the Cardinals a couple of years later.
His play did not improve with the Cardinals, and he is now on to his third team since being drafted. It was interesting to see the Bengals list him as an OT when they announced the move. He has played G in the NFL, outside of his rookie season, and was a college tackle. It is likely that the Bengals will try him out in both spots, hoping to untap some of the potential that people saw in him 4 years ago.
In the offseason, he will be competing for one of the depth spots. Guys like Jackson Carman and Hakeem Adeniji will be involved, as well as some likely additions through free agency and the draft.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Kieth Allison (CC)