A low-risk camp body signing with minimal immediate roster impact. Headlines highlight a roster battle, suggesting Cross III is fighting for a fringe spot. The key signal is damning: he was already cut once by Cincinnati mid-season. Fans remember his chaotic fumbled interception, making him a polarizing depth piece. Cross III is a long shot to stick, likely competing for a practice squad role at best.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
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Great Value
This signing grades out as a bad deal for the Cincinnati Bengals — the team is paying more than the on-field production currently warrants. Howard's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL DTs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.0M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the DT market. The concern here is the gap between production and cost — unproven output at bargain money means the team is paying a premium above the player's on-field value. Howard is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.
Contract Details
Total Value
$1.0M
AAV
$1.0M
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