Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) defends against New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Kevin Minter to a one-year contract on Monday.
The deal could reach a reported $4.5 million.
Minter, 26, started every game for the Arizona Cardinals in the last two seasons and finished second on the team in tackles each year.
The 6-foot, 246-pound Minter was selected in the second round by Arizona in the 2013 NFL Draft out of LSU. He played in 61 consecutive games (including postseason) and helped lead the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2014 and 2015. He has 254 career tackles, with five sacks and 11 passes defensed.
“Kevin is a very instinctive player with a great background,” Bengals linebackers coach Jim Haslett said in a statement. “Smart guy, good guy. Good nose for the ball. He has three-down abilities and will help us in a lot of ways.”
Minter had a career-best 3.5 sacks last season while totaling 95 tackles, with nine tackles for loss and four passes defensed. In 2015, he had a career-best 110 tackles for an Arizona team that finished 13-3 and reached the NFC Championship Game, and led the team in postseason tackles for loss (four) with 15 total stops.
“The Bengals have a very stout defense, but my goal is to come in and play every down,” Minter said. “I’m excited to be a part of it. The way the organization embraced me on my visit, it just feels right.”
