The Bengals today announced they have reached contract agreements with eight unrestricted free agents since the new 2020 league year began on March 18. The execution of those contracts are subject to the players passing team physicals at a later date.
"We were aggressive in free agency and added key players who immediately help our team get better," said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. "These players are excited to come to Cincinnati and recognize we're on the verge of something special, but we still have a lot of hard work in front of us."
The list of Bengals UFA signees includes:
CB Mackensie Alexander - (5-10, 192, Clemson; agreed on March 27 to a one-year contract). A fifth-year player in 2020, Alexander spent his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He's played in 55 career games (10 starts), and recorded 103 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 21 passes defensed and two INTs. He originally was a Vikings second-round draft selection (54th overall) out of Clemson in 2016.
S Vonn Bell - (5-11, 205, Ohio State; agreed on March 26 to a three-year contract). A fifth-year player in 2020, Bell spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He has played in 61 career games (45 starts), with 348 tackles, eight sacks, 14 PDs, one INT, seven FFs and seven FRs. He originally was a Saints second-round draft pick (61st overall) out of Ohio State in 2016.
LB Josh Bynes - (6-1, 235, Auburn; agreed on March 25 to a one-year contract). A ninth-year player in 2020, Bynes has spent time over his career with the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals. He has played in 101 career games (47 starts), and has 378 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four INTs, three FFs and two FRs. He originally was a Ravens college free agent signee out of Auburn in 2011.
DT D.J. Reader - (6-3, 347, Clemson; agreed on April 2 to a four-year contract). A fifth-year player in 2020, Reader spent the last four seasons with the Houston Texans. He's played in 61 career games (52 starts), and has 154 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Reader entered the NFL as a Texans fifth-round draft pick (166th overall) out of Clemson in 2016.
CB LeShaun Sims - (6-0, 203, Southern Utah; agreed on March 31 to a one-year contract). A fifth-year player in 2020, Sims spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He has played in 56 career games (11 starts), and has 115 tackles, eight PDs, two INTs and one FF. He originally was a Titans fifth-round pick (157th overall) out of Southern Utah in 2016.
G Xavier Su'a-Filo - (6-4, 310, UCLA; agreed on March 19 to a three-year contract). A seventh-year player in 2020, Su'a-Filo has played in 75 career games, with 53 starts. He spent 2014-17 with the Houston Texans, before joining the Dallas Cowboys for '18-19. He originally was a Texans second-round draft selection (33rd overall) out of UCLA in 2014.
WR Mike Thomas - (6-1, 189, Southern Mississippi; agreed on March 24 to a one-year contract). A fifth-year player in 2020, Thomas has played in 40 career games with the L.A. Rams, and recorded 10 catches for 144 yards on offense, along with nine tackles, a forced fumble and blocked punt on special teams. He originally was a Rams sixth-round draft pick (206th overall) out of Southern Mississippi in 2016.
CB Trae Waynes - (6-0, 190, Michigan State; agreed on March 26 to a three-year contract). A sixth-year player in 2020, Waynes spent the last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He's played in 74 career games (53 starts), and has 347 tackles, a sack, seven INTs and two forced fumbles. He originally was a Vikings first-round draft pick (11th overall) out of Michigan State in 2015.
