The Bengals are re-signing cornerback Marco Wilson on a one-year, $1.52MM deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Wilson appeared in 10 games for the Patriots in 2024 before being claimed by the Bengals off waivers in November. He played six games in Cincinnati with 36 snaps on defense and 48 on special teams.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2021, Wilson started 37 games in Arizona across the first three years of his career. He carved out a starting role as a rookie and made significant improvements in 2022, allowing a 57.5% completion rate and 77.1 passer rating when targeted.
Wilson regressed significantly in 2023 and lost his starting job by November. He was waived by the Cardinals a few weeks later. The Patriots claimed him off waivers, but only played him for 10 snaps in the last game of the season.
The former Florida Gator found a rotational role in New England’s defense in 2024, but was again deemed surplus to requirements and waived in November. He impressed the Bengals enough to earn another year in Cincinnati, where he will compete for a role in their secondary.
The Bengals have a number of young players who will likely block Wilson on the depth chart, but he will be one of the team’s most experienced cornerbacks, especially if they do not re-sign Mike Hilton.