Bengals Free Agency: Karlos Dansby Finalizing Deal with Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are closing in on a deal with the former Cleveland Browns Linebacker, Karlos Dansby, according to Ian Rapoport on Twitter.

The Bengals, who will lose Vontaze Burfict for the first three games, and also Taylor Mays, pending him signing his deal, who will miss the first four games for his violation of the NFL Substance Abuse policy.

The biggest concern with Dansby is his age. At 34 years of age, he will be one of the most senior members of the team. Dansby has played with a lot of intensity and focus, which is why his age isn’t the biggest concern however. Tim mentioned in the last Men in Stripes Episode, that Dansby will also provide depth for the likes of Vincent Rey and Rey Maualuga, who both have had injury issues a few years ago.

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Dansby spent seven seasons in Arizona with the Cardinals, two with the Miami Dolphins, and his past two with the Bengals in-state rival, as well as divisional rival, Cleveland Browns. He knows the AFC North well and the defensive battle it can be between the teams.

Dansby had 105 tackles in 16 games last season, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections. He has had the best seasons in his career during the later parts of his career. The Bengals will hope that he can bring that intensity and focus as he joins arguably one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.

We can only reserve judgment for when the contract details come out, but you can bet the Bengals are taking a solid calculated risk with Dansby in Stripes. We know Dansby is looking forward to working with what he called, a Super Bowl contender.