Bengals claim 3rd-round rookie KeiVarae Russell off waivers

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed rookie cornerback KeiVarae Russell off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Thursday.

Russell, a third-round pick in this year's draft, unexpectedly became available Wednesday when released by the Chiefs.

It was a virtual certainty he'd be scooped up, but it stands as a minor surprise the 22-year-old was able to make it all the way to a playoff team in a waiver system seeded by last year's standings.

Russell adds depth and competition to the Bengals' secondary, as well as the potential for significant future contributions.

The Notre Dame product played 11 games with two interceptions as a senior last year after returning from a season-long academic suspension.