Approval Poll: Bengals sign Chidobe Awuzie to $21.75 million deal

The Cincinnati Bengals keep adding to their defense in free agency, one of the latest acquisitions being former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. He will join Mike Hilton, Trae Waynes and Darius Phillips in Lou Anarumo’s defensive backfield.

As of Tuesday afternoon, William Jackson has not re-signed and is presumed to move on from the Bengals.

Awuzie’s full contract details have yet to be released, but we do know it’s a three-year deal for $21.75 million that includes some incentives, per NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

The Cowboys drafted Awuzie out of Colorado in 2017. In the last four years, he has played in 49 games, had four interceptions, and 213 tackles. He missed eight games last year, and has only played in all 16 games once in his career, back in 2019.

That year, Awuzie started all 16 games, had one interception, 14 passes defended, and 79 tackles. He had a PFF grade of 72.2 in 2019. His best year, according to PFF, was his rookie season with a 78.4 grade. His worst year was 2020, in which he had a 51.9 grade.

In comparison to Jackson, Awuzie is a slightly better athlete, and is about two and a half years younger. By opening day, Jackson will be almost 29 years old; Awuzie will be just over 29 by the time his new contract is done.

Obviously, most Bengals fans keep waiting for an offensive lineman to sign. However, the Bengals did fill a need with Awuzie.

What do you think, Bengals fans? Is this a good signing? Could the Bengals have done better? Should the Bengals still try to retain Jackson?

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