The Bengals are signing S Nick Scott to a 3 year/$12M contract.
Scott was originally a 7th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams back in 2019. He was mainly a special teamer before taking over as a starter towards the end of 2021. Scott started for the Rams in their Super Bowl win over the Bengals.
The Bengals were in the market for a S after losing both Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell in free agency. They already had Daxton Hill as an in-house replacement for Bates, but Bell’s spot was still vacant.
Cincinnati saves money by going with Scott over Bell. Scott is also more athletic, which theoretically brings more upside. He is a very hard hitter and has played quite well as a downhill player.
Scott has made some opportunistic plays in coverage for the Rams, where his athleticism is evident. However, his overall play in coverage has been quite inconsistent, thus giving him a boom or bust element as Vonn Bell’s replacement.
Lou Anarumo’s scheming is the calming element here. When he first signed with Cincinnati, Bell also had his share of struggles in coverage, before improving significantly under Anarumo. Eli Apple’s career resurrection also happened under Anarumo. The Bengals were looking for a cheaper option who fits the scheme. They believe they can get the most out of him, like they did with Bell and even Apple.
Given the relatively cheap deal, this does not rule out another addition at S, especially given the Bengals like using 3 of them from time to time. Last year they had Daxton Hill as the 3rd guy, and Ricardo Allen the year before. If they don’t make another addition, 2022 draft pick Tycen Anderson may have a shot to earn that spot.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Maize & Blue Nation (CC)