According to NFL Network NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed the now-former Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker, Josh Bynes, on a one-year deal. Bynes originally joined the Ravens in 2011 as an undrafted rookie. He spent three years with the Ravens and even made the last tackle in Super Bowl XLVII before leaving in free agency. In 2014 Bynes signed with the Detriot Lions, where he played for three years before joining the Cardinals in 2017. Bynes returned to the Ravens in October of 2019 as Baltimore tried to revamp the entire defense.
Former #Ravens LB Josh Bynes is signing a 1-year deal with the #Bengals, source said. More FA action on defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2020
Bynes played well for the Ravens during his second stint in Baltimore. Bynes started 7 out of 12 games for the Ravens, recording 23 solo tackles, 23 assists, six tackles for loss, 1 quarterback hit, 1 sack, six pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Baltimore Ravens were trying to re-sign Bynes, but it was uncertain whether or not that would happen.
Ravens have re-signed bunch of their own FAs this offseason and they’re still talking to a few more of them. They’ve had talks with ILB Josh Bynes who has generated some interest elsewhere. Same goes for WR Chris Moore who team values on special teams.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 24, 2020
Bynes’ departure leaves the Ravens with an inside linebacker corps in desperate need of attention this April. Baltimore currently has L.J. Fort, Chris Board, and Otaro Alaka at the position. The Ravens could re-sign Patrick Onwuasor, a free agent still at large, but it seems unlikely at this point that “Peanut” will return as a Raven in 2020.
Many Ravens fans hope that Baltimore will spend the 28th overall pick on an inside linebacker. Some notable names to keep in mind are Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray and LSU’s Patrick Queen. Regardless of whether or not the Ravens address inside linebacker in the first round, Baltimore is sure to add at least one inside linebacker at some point in the draft.
Bynes is one of three Ravens unrestricted free agents to have signed with another team already. Michael Pierce signed with the Minnesota Vikings and Seth Roberts signed with the Carolina Panthers.
