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The Cincinnati Bengals are signing free agent cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Per NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, it’s a 3-year deal.
#Bengals agree to terms on a three-year deal with former #Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie, source says. Cincy continuing to make moves on defense. They liked the former second-rounder's athleticism and consistency.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2021
Awuzie, a fifth-year player in 2021, was originally a second-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys back in 2017. He came from Colorado University as a three-year starter and later put together a stellar performance at the NFL combine, running a 4.43 40-yard dash and a 6.81 three-cone.
As a rookie, Awuzie started Dallas’ last five games and registered three games with a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 78 or higher. He then established himself as the Cowboys’ starting left cornerback from 2018-2019, playing in 31 games and starting 30 of them. During those two years, Awuzie recorded two interceptions and 25 passes defensed. He graded out at 63.9 in 2018 and 72.2 in 2019 for overall defense grade, per PFF.
2020 was a different story. Awuzie missed eight games due to a hamstring injury and was later placed on the COVID-19 list. Due to his injuries, he had his worst season with the Cowboys, grading out at 51.9. It was a lost season, which is the exact opposite of what you’d want in a contract year.
Awuzine will turn 26 in May and is slated to become the Bengals’ next starting cornerback. We will update this story shortly when more details emerge...