Bengals reportedly signing Wisconsin LB Maema Njongmeta as UDFA

Cincinnati didn’t address the linebacker position in the NFL Draft this year, but are grabbing a talented player at the position as an undrated signee.

The Cincinnati Bengals have their starters set at linebacker, but they are attempting to round out depth at the position. Markus Bailey has not been re-signed, so they’re exploring backup options for the group.

According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Bengals are signing Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta as a priority undrafted free agent. Cincinnati was so adamant about getting his services that they ponied up a $15,000 signing bonus for him.

Njongmeta is a little on the smaller side by NFL standards for linebackers, coming in at 6-foot, 230 pounds at the NFL Combine. He also didn’t wow with speed, clocking in at 4.91 at the 40-yard dash.

However, what he lacks in certain metrics, he makes up for it with tenacity and solid on-field play. He’s known to be physical, particularly against the run, and takes on blockers to disrupt and/or make the play.

As a junior in 2022, he racked up 95 tackles, including 11.5 for loss. He also had 3.5 sacks and an interception that year.

The stats dipped a bit last year, where his tackle total fell to 59, but he still had 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He was an All-Academic Big-10 Player last year, partially exuding the character profile Zac Taylor and Co. largely look for.