The Cincinnati Bengals discovered themselves a brand new veteran edge-rusher by agreeing to terms with Seahawks free-agent defensive end Boye Mafe on a three-year, $60 million contract. Details of the contracts haven’t been launched but.
Mafe, 27, had 31 tackles and two sacks final season and added 5 tackles within the playoffs (one within the Super Bowl). He has performed in all however three video games in his profession since coming into the league in 2022 because the fortieth choose of the draft. He has 20 profession sacks in 4 seasons.
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Does this have an effect on the Bengals‘ plans on the place going into the draft as of now?
Mafe is a really stable defensive finish and is now getting $20 million per 12 months, on common, which is greater than half of the highest of the market. Mafe ought to be a part of a rotation, somewhat than the primary piece of the puzzle.
The Bengals can nonetheless use items at defensive finish and that would begin with their first-round choose within the draft. If one of many high edge-rushers falls to No. 10, he very properly may very well be one of the best participant on the board for the Bengals. Ohio State security Caleb Downs was seen as a high choice as properly, however the Bengals added Bryan Cook in free company from the Kansas City Chiefs. David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. could be very sturdy matches. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk is a little bit of a big gamble for the Bengals at No. 10.
Another identify to observe later within the draft is Malachi Lawrence of UCF. Lawrence had seven sacks final season for UCF, was named First-Team All-Big 12 and was one of many high gamers all through the week on the Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. Also keep watch over Missouri’s Zion Young, who flashed in Mobile, Alabama on the Senior Bowl.
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Mafe is a pleasant signing for the Bengals. But extra pass-rushers is all the time a superb factor. Cincinnati ought to proceed to load up all through the offseason and within the draft.
This article initially appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals signing Boye Mafe overhauls NFL draft plan