CINCINNATI — After losing both of their starting safeties in the first two days of free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals are signing former Rams safety Nick Scott.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Scott is signing a three-year, $12 million deal with the Bengals. Scott played in Super Bowl 56, helping the Rams defeat the Bengals. He was on the IR to end the 2022 season, but recorded two interceptions, 86 total tackles, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 16 games.
Former starter Vonn Bell signed with the Carolina Panthers, while Jessie Bates III agreed to a four-year deal with the Falcons.
Drafted by the Bengals in 2018, Bates was a team captain during Cincinnati's Super Bowl 56 run.
He was then placed under the franchise tag for the 2022 season, meaning the Bengals could retain him for one year without a full contract extension. Bates had been vocal about not wanting to play without an extension and did not report to training camp, eventually returned to the team in the last week of August.
The 26-year-old recorded one forced fumble, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and 71 total tackles this season.
After signing with the Bengals in 2020, Bell was the only player to play every defensive snap possible in the team's 16 regular season games. He became a team captain in 2021, starting in all four postseason games — including Super Bowl 56.
Once again named a captain in 2022, Bell recorded two forced fumbles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and 77 total tackles during the regular season and postseason.
The Bengals also signed OT Orlando Brown Jr. during free agency.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Brown most recently protected Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl 57.
The 26-year-old Oklahoma alum was drafted by the Ravens in 2018. He was then traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and placed under the franchise tag last season. Brown is the son of former NFL tackle Orlando Brown.
Tom Peliserro with the NFL Network reports Brown is signing a four-year, $64 million deal that includes a $31 million signing bonus, which would be the highest ever for an offensive lineman.
Sources: Four-time Pro Bowl tackle and Super Bowl champ Orlando Brown Jr. is finalizing a four-year, $64.092 million front-loaded deal with the #Bengals that includes an over $31M signing bonus — largest ever for an o-lineman.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
Brown’s agent, Michael Portner, confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/GFFZX0zLrs
Brown is the Bengals' first free agency signing. Multiple players have re-signed with Cincinnati, while the team lost four players.
Tight end Hayden Hurst is signing with the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal. It leaves the team without its starting tight end from last season.
Hurst had 52 catches for 414 yards and 2 touchdowns with the Bengals. He was only with the team for one year. Hurst was the Bengals nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service Award.
The tight end is the fourth player to sign with another team so far. The Bengals have not signed any new players to the team in free agency as of yet.
Panthers to sign TE Hayden Hurst to three-year deal. (via @rapsheet, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/lpVo48mZxL
— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2023
Running back Samaje Perine signed a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos Wednesday night, as first reported by the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The Oklahoma alum who first joined the Bengals in 2019 before signing with the Dolphins returned to Cincinnati in 2020. Perine served as the third-down back during the Bengals' Super Bowl 56 run, catching one touchdown in the playoffs.
Perine's role expanded in 2022 when Joe Mixon missed two games with a head injury. He caught three of Joe Burrow's four touchdowns in Cincinnati's win over the Steelers. With Mixon still out in Week 13, Perine rushed for more than 100 yards against the eventual Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cincinnati, I just want to say thank you accepting my family and I with open arms. We couldn’t have asked for a better home these past four years. I will always have nothing but love for you.
— samaje perine (@samajp32) March 14, 2023
Cincinnati did re-sign linebacker Germaine Pratt to a three-year, $21 million deal, Pelissero first reported.
Another captain, safety Michael Thomas, signed a one-year extension with the Bengals.
Michael Thomas signed a one year extension with the #Bengals. Unc is coming back! Congrats Captain! @Michael31Thomas @WCPO https://t.co/CU5o1WcQvP
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) March 13, 2023
Several other players, including tight end Hayden Hurst and cornerback Eli Apple, are free agents this offseason.
This story will be updated as free agency continues.
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