Bengals Sign Dugger, Taylor on Bargain Deals

0:00It's April 21st. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, Your Grid Iron Update. I'm Cory with the story. While the Bengals' big Dexter Lawrence extension stole the spotlight, they quietly signed two free agents right before that blockbuster trade, safety. Kyle Dugger got a one-year deal worth $1.4 million, and Cornerback Jossier Taylor inked a one-year pact for $1.2 million. These are bargain-basement contracts for guys with solid pedigrees. Dugger just two years ago signed a four-year, $58 million extension with the Patriots, who drafted him in the second round back in 2020. New England traded him to the Steelers after restructuring his deal, wiping out the last two years. The Bengals are paying him just a fraction, about 10% of what he was owed in base salary and bonuses, with only a $75,000 signing bonus guaranteed. Meanwhile, Taylor's move is a massive payday bump. The 2022 sixth round pick was on track for $550,000 rookie salary, so this Bengals

1:04contract is more than double that. No guarantees or bonuses, but still a huge raise. He bounced from the chargers to the jets last season, mostly handling special teams with some slot and outside corner snaps. Taylor's best year was 2023, logging over 500 defensive plays, mostly inside. The Bengals hadn't grabbed the corner in free agency until now, so their depth chart lists veteran Jalen Davis as the nickel starter and the signings. Add cheap competition. Both deals give Cincinnati flexible depth without breaking the bank, setting them up nice as they build around that Lauren splash, keeping eyes on. Now these vets fit into the secondary, mixed this season.