Bengals Re-Sign Rey Maualuga

Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (58) against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

In an unsurprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed veteran linebacker Rey Maualuga to reportedly a three-year deal. Re-signing the seven-year veteran was likely never in question for the team regardless of how fans felt.

Although Rey Maualuga has his limits as a player, he is undoubtedly a strong presence against the run. This presence allows him to be effective on first and, at times, second down. It’s especially important in the AFC North where the Bengals regularly are tested by highly capable and/or burgeoning running games. Maualuga helps the team a great deal in this way.

His retention could’ve also been pretty easily assumed once reports came out that fellow linebacker and defensive quarterback Vontaze Burfict had microfracture surgery on his knee this off-season. With his return still undetermined, Rey Maualuga’s leadership and knowledge of the defense also becomes vital.

The Bengals will be looking to improve the defense in the upcoming free agency and draft. Rey Maualuga will be able to help any new players become acquainted with the team’s defensive approach as they try to return to their once elite status.

The terms of Rey Maualuga’s new deal have yet to be disclosed. These terms will likely be the deciding factor for many fans on whether or not they agree with Maualuga’s retention. For a player who’s skill set is severely limited, many will hope that his new deal is commensurate with that skill set, though it’s likely he gets a bump in salary due to his knowledge and leadership. That being said, if the team’s improves its first down defense, it’s possible that Maualuga isn’t employed on as many second downs as he was in the past. Second and long in a pass happy league likely equates to opponents throwing on second down, which is a situation where Maualuga shouldn’t see the field.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the terms of the deal are, and then we’ll all be able to give our fully informed opinions.

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