One of the first visits that the Cincinnati Bengals had during 2012 free agency was that of former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross. Around that same time, the team brought in former Saints cornerback Tracy Porter in as well and it was widely-believed that the Bengals would sign one of these two players. They surprised everyone instead, opting to go with veteran corner, Jason Allen. Many of us wondered if Ross and/or Porter were on the Bengals radar anymore even with the Allen signing. We now have an answer. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ross has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight.
Jacksonville reached agreement with former Giants CB Aaron Ross on a three-year deal worth up to $15.3 million.
Using the fine art of division, Ross' contract averages out to $5.1 million per year, though it's unclear how it's currently structured. By comparison, Allen's contract with the Bengals is a two-year deal worth 8.2 million, or $4.1 per year. Though Ross is a bigger-name free agent, it's probable that Ross let the Bengals know that this was his price tag and the team felt that it was too steep.
Both Ross and Allen are former first rounders and are known as "gambler" type cornerbacks. As we mentioned earlier Monday, Porter is set to visit Tennessee and it's possible he signs there, given their recent loss of Cortland Finnegan. It's looking more and more likely that if the Bengals are to bring in another cornerback it will be through the draft.