Russ Yeast

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		33	—	5	82
2025		3	0	0	8
2024		4	0	0	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a reasonable signing for the Cincinnati Bengals — the team is getting significantly more on-field production than what they're paying for. Russ's on-field performance ranks in the bottom third among NFL Ss, grading him as a depth piece at the position. His $1.1M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the S market. The production-to-cost ratio is favorable — depth piece output at a bargain price point represents solid asset management. Russ is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.

Performance Analysis

Russ Yeast grades as a rotational player among NFL safeties — a below-average player at the position. His strongest area is tackling at 2.67 (below the NFL average of 3.85), ranking as below average for the position. His 2025 season graded as a D+, a significant jump from his F mark in 2024.

Fan Sentiment

A depth-only practice squad addition with minimal immediate impact on Cincinnati's roster. Headlines confirm this is a futures/practice squad deal, not a meaningful depth signing. The key signal is his lineage — son of former Bengal Craig Yeast — but bloodlines don't win games. Fans will note the Bengals' safety depth concerns persist despite this low-stakes move. Yeast faces long odds making the 53-man roster without significant attrition at the position.