Bengals' Bene Benwikere: To sign with Bengals

Benwikere will sign a one-year deal with the Bengals, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Benwikere started the 2016 season as the Panthers' top cornerback but quickly fell down the ranks and was eventually released by the team following a 300-yard performance from Julio Jones. He then had a brief stints with the Dolphins and Packers to end the season. Only 25, the cornerback could play his way into a starting position with the Bengals, who are currently facing a lot of uncertainty in the secondary. Dre Kirkpatrick is a pending free agent, and Adam Jones' best days may be behind him. William Jackson III, the Bengals' 2016 first-round pick, spent the entire season on injured reserve, leaving his status in question as well. Benwikere adds depth at cornerback but will have to show signs of his former self in order to make it on the 53-man roster.