The Cincinnati Bengals are not going to be Teair Tart’s next NFL team.
Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report reports that Tart is inking a contract with the Miami Dolphins.
During the first week of NFL free agency, Tart paid a visit to the Bengals but did not sign a contract.
In 2020, Tart joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent after graduating from Florida International. Following his signing, he was waived during the final roster cuts by the Tennessee Titans. Tart was added to the 53-man roster following a period on the practice squad, and he made seven appearances (one start).
Tart would have his finest professional season in 2022. He played in 16 games (all starts), with 24 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and 5 tackles for loss. His career-best PFF grade was 73.1.
Tart played with the Titans in 11 games (nine starts) during the previous season before being cut loose in December. Tart played in two games (without a start) after being grabbed by Houston. With 24 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hits, 1 sack, and a 54.0 PFF grade at the end of the season, he was quite successful. Although Cincinnati attempted to claim him, Houston was given first in the waiver sequence.
The Bengals will almost certainly use a high draft pick this year to acquire a defensive tackle now that Tart is not available. They have two excellent 3-techniques in BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins, but DJ Reader left for the Detroit Lions, thus they are still lacking a competent nose tackle.
What steps should the Bengals take to address their issues with nose tackles? Tell us in the space provided for comments!