McDoom In, Wright Out: Wolverines Roster Shakeup
Bengals Shuffle Their Cornerback Room: A Simple Breakdown
What Happened Today?
The Cincinnati Bengals made two moves involving their cornerbacks (the players who defend against wide receivers). Think of it like a teacher rearranging students in a classroom—one new student arrives, and another asks to leave.
Who Came In? Meet Matthew McDoom
The Bengals signed Matthew McDoom as a free agent. Here’s what that means in simple terms:
- Free Agent = A player who isn’t under contract with any team and can sign anywhere.
- Rookie = This is his very first year in the NFL.
- College = He played at the University of Cincinnati (right in the Bengals’ backyard!).
- Size = 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds.
- Journey so far:
- Went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Signed with the Baltimore Ravens in May as a college free agent (same thing as undrafted free agent).
- Waived (released) by the Ravens on August 8.
- Now, he gets a fresh start with the Bengals.
Important Point: Being waived doesn’t mean a player isn’t good—it often just means a team had too many players at that position and had to make tough choices.
Who Left? Ceyair Wright Departs
The Bengals also announced that cornerback Ceyair Wright has left the team to pursue other opportunities.
Here’s what happens next for him:
- He will be placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list.
- What that means: He’s officially not on the team anymore, but the Bengals still hold his NFL rights (for now).
- Roster impact: He does not count against the 90-man roster limit (the maximum number of players a team can have in training camp).
Important Point: Players sometimes leave for personal reasons, better opportunities elsewhere, or because they feel they won’t make the final 53-man roster. It’s a normal part of the NFL business.
Why Does This Matter? (The Big Picture)
- Depth at cornerback: NFL teams carry a lot of cornerbacks because injuries happen often. Adding McDoom gives the Bengals more bodies to evaluate in practice and preseason games.
- Local connection: McDoom played college ball at UC—he already knows the city, the facility, and maybe even some coaches.
- Roster management: Moving Wright to the Exempt list frees up a precious roster spot for someone else (like McDoom) without cutting a player permanently.
Summary
| Move | Player | Position | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signed | Matthew McDoom | CB | Rookie, UC product, former Raven, 5’9"/180 lbs |
| Departed | Ceyair Wright | CB | Left voluntarily, placed on Exempt/Left Squad list, off 90-man roster |
The Bengals are constantly fine-tuning their roster—especially at cornerback—looking for the best 53 players by September. Today was just one small step in that process.
FAQ
1. What is a "college free agent"?
A player who wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft but signs with a team afterward. It’s the most common way undrafted rookies enter the league.
2. What does "waived" mean?
It means the team released the player. If he clears waivers (no other team claims him), he becomes a free agent and can sign anywhere—including back with the same team’s practice squad.
3. What is the "90-man roster"?
During the offseason and training camp, NFL teams can have up to 90 players under contract. By the start of the regular season, they must cut down to 53.
4. What is the "Exempt/Left Squad" list?
A special list for players who leave the team voluntarily. They don’t count against the roster, but the team retains their rights—meaning no other team can sign them unless the Bengals release them fully.
5. Will Matthew McDoom make the final team?
It’s too early to say! He’ll compete in training camp and preseason games. Many undrafted rookies make practice squads, and some even earn starting roles. The Bengals clearly saw something they liked.