By Jordan Long
The Cincinnati Bengals made a surprising move and released linebacker Rey Maualuga. He had one year remaining on a three-year contract he signed back in 2015. He was scheduled to make $3.15 million. This will save the Bengals $3.7 million against the 2017 salary cap.
Maualuga was drafted by the Bengals in the 2009 NFL draft. He had been a productive player for their defense. In his 8 years Maualuga has a total of 584 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 7 interceptions. Last season was his worst in a Bengals uniform. Maualuga collected 27 tackles and one interception.
This past weekend, Cincinnati decided it was time to move on. According to USAtoday.com, Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis said, “Rey has been a tough and productive player for us, and a fine teammate, and this is a difficult decision. It’s one of several we have made to transition to a younger group at linebacker as we continue to shape our 2017 roster. We wish Rey and his family the very best.”
The Denver Broncos might be interested in the linebacker. On the roster, the linebacker core consists of Shane Ray, Von Miller, and Shaquil Barrett. After that it is thin. Maualuga would give the Broncos a veteran player. He will help the Broncos run defense, the area they needed to improve on from last year. Maualuga can also tackle a wide receiver in the open field to prevent a long gain.
The Broncos should make a call to Maualuga. It wouldn’t hurt to see what interest he has in playing for the Denver Broncos. If there is, then sign him to a contract. Maualuga would add depth to the Broncos linebacker core.
Where do you think Rey Maualuga will land? Are the Broncos a team that should consider him?
Leave a Reply