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The Cincinnati Bengals added six total linebackers this offseason before and after the draft. Now, they add a seventh to the already crowded group.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports that the Bengals have claimed Austin Calitro off of waivers.
The #Bengals have claimed LB Austin Calitro off waivers, source said. He started four games for the #Jaguars last season and five with the #Seahawks in 2018. Another veteran addition to Cincy's D.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2020
If Calitro’s name sounds familiar in association to the Bengals, it’s because the team tried to claim him before the 2019 regular season when he was available. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who were a few spots higher in the waiver order, had first dibs on him.
Bengals tried to claim Calitro last year but were beat on the wire. Now have first slot, so they add him to the mix. https://t.co/5D2iPqTw7l
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 28, 2020
With the Jaguars, Calitro started four games and appeared in three more. He was largely underwhelming, producing a defensive grade of 44.4 from Pro Football Focus. Before he was a Jaguar, he played a season with the Seattle Seahawks, being equally ineffective there as well.
Calitro also has special teams experience, taking 432 snaps there over the last two seasons.
Originally an undrafted free agent signee of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Calitro will now have a chance to compete for the final roster spot at the position for his third team in three years.