Bengals sign veteran LB Michael Boley

ESPN reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran free agent linebacker Michael Boley. This comes as no shock as the Bengals have been trying to plug holes at the linebacker position since training camp and just let the Cleveland Browns score 17 points in Sunday’s loss in the “Battle of Ohio.”

Michael Boley is a good depth pickup at for the Bengals. During his eight year career with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, Boley has 685 combined tackles, 92 which came just last year with the Giants. He also helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in 2012. However, the linebacker’s sack totals have been in decline since 2007. Through 16 games played last season, Boley only recorded half a sack.

In addition, Boley hasn’t exactly been a citizen off the field. In February 2013, Boley was charged with child abuse for the second time. He also previously received a domestic violence charge in 2008. Not that these transgressions would phase the Bengals, who in recent years have signed many players with previous baggage, like WR Terrell Owens, LB Vontaze Burfict, and LB James Harrison, to name a few.

For a team that has overlooked character in the past, Boley is a good pickup and still a solid linebacker that should help shore up the Bengal’s 13th rated defense.