After being released by the Cleveland Browns, Karlos Dansby laid out a list of teams he wants to play for in what might be his final NFL season. The Cincinnati Bengals were among those teams, and it seems like Dansby is getting what he wished for. The Arizona Cardinals (one of his former teams) and the Green Bay Packers were also on his shortlist.
Things have been heating up between Dansby and the Bengals over the last 48 hours, and although no contract details have been leaked, it’s safe to assume it’s not for a lot of money. It might be for more than one season, but just the first year is probably guaranteed. A 12-year NFL veteran, Dansby has missed only six games in the last eight seasons, only once has played less than 14 games and his lowest attendance record is 12 games in the 2014 season. He’s 34, but staying healthy isn’t an issue.
While the Bengals do have talent at linebacker (Rey Maualuga, Vontaze Burfict, Vincent Rey, and A.J. Hawk being the notable ones) they did have some needs to fill after losing Emmanuel Lamur to free agency. Vontaze Burfict is going to serve a suspension for the first few games of the 2016 season, which means the Bengals need some depth and versatility at LB, at least earlier in the season.
Dansby had 109 tackles in 2015 but his speciality is pass coverage and interceptions. He had 3 last season, including two of them returned for touchdowns. He has 19 interceptions in his career (24th among active players despite being a linebacker), including six going back for touchdowns. He also forced three fumbles last season while defending six passes.
A second round pick in 2004 out of Auburn, Dansby has played for the Cardinals, Dolphins and Browns in his career. He played a significant part in the Cardinals 2008 Super Bowl run, but has appeared in just two postseasons over the 12 years in the league. He’s hoping that betting on the Bengals means he’ll have a shot to experience another one and who knows, maybe even help them finally win a playoff game. It’s been only a generation since they last won one.