Bengals Sign Mafe to Big Deal, Boost Edge Rush

It's March 23rd, you're listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage.

I'm Corey, with the story.

The Cincinnati Bengals are taking another calculated swing in free agency by signing

Ed rusher Boie Mafe to a big deal.

They see him as a scheme fit, with upside.

Much like they did years back with Trey Hendrickson, who turned into a star.

Mafe burst out with nine sacks in one strong season, but he's posted just eight sacks

over the last two years combined.

Last year, he started only four games, despite playing in all 17, and saw his fewest

snaps since his rookie year.

Critics aren't sold, calling the contract, one of the league's bigger free agent risks

this off season.

Some worry it's banking too much on a player who's cooled off lately.

That said, the Bengals structured the deal smartly, with solid guarantees they like.

They're pairing Mafe with young first round talents, like Shamar Stewart and Miles Murphy

to boost the defensive line.

Expect more moves here, whether in the next wave of free agency, or even a high draft

pick, as Cincinnati keeps building out that ed rush group.