The Cincinnati Bengals have added another veteran to the defensive backfield after signing free-agent safety Ricardo Allen, according to a tweet from ESPN's Adam Schefter citing Allen's agent Drew Rosenhaus.
The Enquirer later confirmed the news.
The 29-year-old Purdue product was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was released by the Falcons last month after starting 76 of 77 career games with them. He has 340 tackles, 26 passes defended and 11 interceptions in his career.
More:Sources: Bengals signing guard Quinton Spain, cornerback Eli Apple to one-year deals
Allen was rated 62.4 overall by PFF with a top rating of 66.3 for his run defense. Out of his 604 snaps last season, Allen was in run defense 192 times and pass defense 408 times, according to PFF, while giving up a passer rating of 96.6.
The addition of Allen continues the trend of adding defense in free agency for the Bengals. The Bengals also added Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton and Eli Apple in the secondary and Trey Hendrickson at defensive end.
Other Bengals news and notes:
RB Samaje Perine: The Bengals officially re-signed Perine to a two-year contract which runs through the 2022 season. Perine had 63 carries for 301 yards and three touchdowns for the Bengals in 2020.
In 2021, he'll likely again have a backup role at running back and contribute on special teams.
