:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19242087/19-oct-10_98649709nl099_detroit_lions.0.jpg)
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals will host free agent linebacker Michael Boley this week. Most likely on Tuesday when players are given the day off. Boley, a former fifth-round pick by Atlanta in the 2005 NFL draft, is an eight-year veteran and former starting linebacker for the New York Giants ('09-'12) and Atlanta Falcons ('05-'08). He enters the season with 685 career tackles, 9.5 quarterback sacks, eight interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
The New York Giants released Boley in February playing four years on a five-year deal worth $25 million that he signed in 2009. Boley was experiencing a significant decline, giving up as much as 550 yards in coverage last year.
Cincinnati currently has five linebackers on their roster and nearly lost Vontaze Burfict when tight end Kyle Adams tackled Burfict in the knees during the linebacker's fourth quarter interception on Sunday. Burfict admitted it's just a bruise but the second-year backer was expected to have treatment on the knee.
The Bengals hosted free agent linebackers Thomas Howard and Tyrone McKenzie last week when Emmanuel Lamur suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Colts during the team's preseason finale. But no signing was expected.