Jacob Bayer

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jacob Bayer's practice squad deal earns a D+ CVI, reflecting the minimal investment in a depth piece with limited upside. The rookie center has appeared in just 3 games during his first NFL season, providing little evidence of his ability to contribute at the professional level. At $885K AAV, the contract represents standard practice squad compensation for interior linemen, though even at that modest price point, the value proposition remains questionable given his lack of NFL experience or notable college pedigree. At 23 years old in his rookie season, Bayer theoretically has developmental runway, but the media framing suggests Cincinnati views this as emergency depth rather than a long-term investment. The signing addresses the Bengals' ongoing offensive line concerns with "minimal fanfare," and fans rightfully see this as necessary housekeeping while the organization likely explores more experienced options. This is the type of low-risk, low-reward move that rarely moves the needle for teams with serious aspirations.

Performance Analysis

Jacob Bayer sits firmly in replacement-level territory among NFL centers, a practice squad addition who represents the bottom tier of his position at this stage of his career. At just 23 years old in his rookie season, there is theoretical developmental upside, but the data tells a story of a player who has appeared in only 3 games and carries no meaningful production signal to evaluate — making a strong performance case nearly impossible to construct. The age factor works in his favor as about the only bright spot in this evaluation, reflecting the raw youth that keeps his long-term ceiling technically open, though that ceiling looks low given the current trajectory. His salary situation reflects the floor of NFL contract value, earning a D+ Contract Value Index (CVI) that is steady but uninspiring — the kind of number you see attached to camp bodies cycling through roster spots rather than contributors. The media framing tells you everything you need to know: five headlines, mostly roster-update filler, with the most notable contextual hook being his Arkansas State background and its connection to regional interest — not his play. Cincinnati fans are largely indifferent, viewing Bayer as a camp body behind an established offensive line, and the release of C Matt Lee earlier this offseason only underscores that the Bengals are actively managing depth at the position rather than investing in it. With the regular season still 134 days away, Bayer's path to a 53-man roster spot looks narrow, and a brief practice squad stint with long odds of seeing regular-season action is the most realistic outcome here.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk practice squad depth add that carries minimal immediate impact for Cincinnati. Five headlines covered the move, mostly roster-update fillers with little analytical depth. The strongest signal is his Arkansas State background, noted alongside Demario Davis, suggesting regional interest only. Bengals fans are largely indifferent, viewing Bayer as a camp body behind an established offensive line. Expect a brief practice squad stint with long odds of ever seeing regular-season action.