Taylor Mays, a free agent safety, has reportedly found a home for next season.
According to Rand Getlin of NFL Network, Mays and the Bengals have reached an agreement on a new contract.
On Wednesday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals’ official website reported that the team was “in discussions and have made good progress to bring back safety Taylor Mays and reprise his role as a nickel linebacker to replace the departed Emmanuel Lamur.”
Mays played for the Bengals from 2011 to 2014, appearing in 50 games and recording his only career sack. Last season, the 28-year-old played 14 games for the Oakland Raiders, making five starts and defending five passes, a career high.
Mays’ market is unlikely to be brimming with potential suitors due to his four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Another possible explanation is that Mays’ production was not particularly good last season, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 62nd out of 87 safeties overall.
The Bengals and their head coach, Marvin Lewis, have a history with Mays. They also likely know more about his strengths and weaknesses than any other NFL team. Even with a potential suspension, his ability to drop back into coverage makes him a good fit for their needs.
