8 former Cincinnati Bengals who still need a team for 2022

Trae Waynes

Two years ago, one of the Bengals’ most impressive moves in free agency was signing cornerback Trae Waynes to a three-year deal worth $42 million. Waynes was a durable and solid player in Minnesota so the stripes were wise to ink him to a deal and get a nice piece for their secondary.

Unfortunately, the deal is now looked at as one of the worst in franchise history due to Waynes being injured and inefficient during his two years in the Queen City. He was released on Monday, saving the Bengals nearly $11 million and finally ending the disappointing Trae Waynes era.

Waynes’ lackluster tenure in Cincinnati probably won’t earn him many looks in free agency, as he appeared in nine games last season and mostly served on special teams. He’s not a starting corner anymore and the injuries are concerning enough that it wouldn’t be surprising if Waynes doesn’t sign anywhere.

If a team maybe needs some depth in their secondary, Waynes might be an option but it won’t be the Bengals who sign him.