| The Bengals moved quickly and signed former Bills’ first-round draft pick Aaron Maybin. (US Presswire) |
If Cincinnati's goal in 2013 is to be able to field a defense made up entirely of first-round picks, they got one step closer on Friday. The Bengals announced that they've signed former Bills first-round pick, linebacker Aaron Maybin.
After being drafted 11th overall by Buffalo in 2009, Maybin spent two seasons with the Bills before spending his last two seasons with the Jets.
It might be unfair to label Maybin a first-round bust at this point, but he's getting dangerously close to bust territory. The pass-rushing linebacker played in 27 games during his two-year Buffalo career, but didn't record any sacks. He joined the Jets before the 2011 season and had a career-year, tallying six sacks. However, Maybin struggled in 2012 and the Jets cut him in November.
If he makes the roster, Maybin will join a hoard of former first-round picks on the Bengals defense, including: cornerback Jason Allen (16th overall pick in 2009, Miami Dolphins), cornerback Adam Jones (sixth pick in 2005, Tennessee Titans), safety Reggie Nelson (21st pick in 2007, Jacksonville Jaguars), linebacker Manny Lawson (22nd pick in 2006, San Francisco 49ers), defensive back Nate Clements (21st pick in 2001, Buffalo Bills), cornerback Terence Newman (fifth pick in 2003, Dallas Cowboys), cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (17th pick in 2012, Cincinnati Bengals), cornerback Leon Hall(18th pick in 2007, Cincinnati Bengals) and defensive end Jamaal Anderson (eighth pick in 2007, Atlanta Falcons).
The Maybin move has little risk for the Bengals, who will have to deal with the unrestricted free agency of linebackers Thomas Howard, Dan Skuta, Rey Maualuga and Lawson.
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