Taylor Mays and Washington Redskins have "mutual interest"

The Washington Redskins have "called on" safety Taylor Mays, tweets ESPN NFL reporter John Keim. While a visit isn't currently scheduled, Keim tweets, there is "mutual interest."

The Redskins have called on S Taylor Mays. Told "mutual interest." do not know yet if a visit is set up. If mutual, visit makes sense

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 12, 2015

Previous reports stated that the Cincinnati Bengals "have a strong interest in keeping" safety Taylor Mays in Cincinnati. However, earlier in the week, ESPN NFL reporter Josina Anderson said the decision is up to the player at this point. "It's up to Taylor", a team source told Anderson on Sunday night.

Initial reports from Pro Football Talk suggested that Mays could have upwards of five suitors -- including the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins.

The Minnesota Vikings reached out to Mays over the weekend, according Matt Vensel with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The story was confirmed by ESPN beat writer Ben Goessling. Mays, who played three seasons under former defensive coordinator and current Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, is an unrestricted free agent. There's a similar connection in Washington. Redskins head coach Jay Gruden was Cincinnati's offensive coordinator for three years while Mays was in Cincinnati.

The Bengals used a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft to trade for Mays on August 23, 2011. Once his rookie contract expired after the 2013 season, the Bengals re-signed Mays to a one-year deal worth $755,000 with a $40,000 signing bonus. Mays only played 61 defensive snaps in 2014, and finished fifth on the team with five special teams tackles and blocked a punt that led to a safety against the Jaguars.