The Cincinnati Bengals have lost a few of their own 2017 unrestricted free agents to other teams so far this offseason but on Saturday they signed one from another team and he’s a former second-round draft pick.
According to Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals signed linebacker Kevin Minter to a one-year contract on Saturday that could ultimately reach a total of $4.5 million if he hits all of his incentives.
Minter, who was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of LSU, recorded 81 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two defensed passes last season, the final year of his rookie contract.
The addition of Minter by the Bengals will help them absorb the loss of linebacker Karlos Dansby, who recently signed a one-year free agent contract with the Cardinals, a team he’s played for previously on two separate occasions.
While the Bengals have managed to retain the services of a few of their own unrestricted free agents so far this offseason in cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, and tackle Eric Winston, they’ve also lost several key contributors from previous seasons as well.
Leaving Cincinnati so far this offseason via free agency are tackle Andrew Whitworth (Los Angeles Rams), guard Kevin Zeitler (Cleveland Browns), defensive end Margus Hunt (Indianapolis Colts), defensive tackle Domata Peko (Denver Broncos) and running back Rex Burkhead (New England Patriots).
In addition to signing Minter on Saturday, the Bengals previously added free agent tackle Andre Smith, their former 2009 first-round draft pick, who played in four games with the Minnesota Vikings last season before suffering a season-ending triceps injury.
