Bengals Recently Hosted Free Agent Safety Kerry Rhodes

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals hosted safety Kerry Rhodes on Monday. Rhodes, an eight-year veteran and former fourth-round selection during the 2005 NFL draft, was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals who was scheduled to make $5.5 million in 2013.

Former Dolphins LB Karlos Dansby is visiting the Bengals today. S Kerry Rhodes also visited Bengals on Monday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2013

During his career with the Jets and Cardinals, Rhodes has generated 23 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. We could see the acquisition to look for a Chris Crocker replacement; a veteran presence (beside Reggie Nelson) in the secondary. Though Rhodes isn't a half-bad solution by any means, rated as the Cardinals second-best defensive player according to Pro Football Focus (and second-best in coverage). During 34 attempted passes against players he covered last season, opposing quarterbacks generated a 64.5 passer rating with only five allowed completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals have made a late run at free agent safeties recently, but it shouldn't deflect the speculation that they'll look for their franchise-level safety via the draft later this month. As of this posting, the Bengals have hosted (or will be hosting soon) Kenny Vaccaro, Matt Elam and Eric Reid.