A few days into training camp now, the Bengals have filled out the rest of their roster after entering with 3 open spots. WR Hakeem Butler, P Ryan Rehkow, and CB Nate Brooks were all signed on Friday, the team announced.
Butler signs after spending last year with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL. There, he posted 652 receiving yards and 5 TD’s, earning him Offensive Player of the Year honours. The 6’5” receiver was originally a 4th round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019.
Rehkow is a rookie undrafted free agent who had originally signed with the Chiefs. He was released in June, and the Bengals have decided to add him to the punter competition. Rehkow was one of just a couple of punters that I got around to watching pre draft. As a prospect, his big leg was noticeable, but hang time issues also persisted. He will now get the chance to work with Darrin Simmons on ironing out some of the kinks.
Brooks was originally an undrafted free agent signing of the Cardinals in 2019. He has appeared in 4 NFL games, with three of those coming with the Dolphins and the other with the Ravens. Brooks worked out with the Bengals, and seemingly did enough to earn a contract. He will now compete in a crowded CB room.
