Bengals Add Former Bills Cornerback Ahead of Crucial Matchup - and It Might Be More Than Just a Depth Move
The Cincinnati Bengals have had Buffalo’s number in recent matchups, especially with Joe Burrow under center. And as they gear up for another high-stakes showdown against the Bills, they’ve made a quiet roster move that could carry a little extra weight - even if it doesn't show up in the box score.
The Bengals have signed former Bills cornerback Jalen Kimber to their practice squad. On the surface, it’s a low-risk addition of a young, undrafted corner who was released by Buffalo back in mid-October.
But the timing here? That’s what raises eyebrows.
No, Kimber isn’t expected to see the field on Sunday unless disaster strikes Cincinnati’s secondary. But his recent stint with the Bills could offer something just as valuable: information. In a league where every edge matters - especially when you're trying to slow down a quarterback like Josh Allen - having someone in the building who’s been in Buffalo’s defensive meetings, practiced against their receivers, and absorbed their tendencies could provide subtle but meaningful insights.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about some grand espionage plot. Kimber’s not walking into Paycor Stadium with a playbook under his arm.
But even a few tips on route concepts, coverage tendencies, or how Allen operates in certain situations can help a defense prepare just a little bit better. And in a game that could swing on one possession, that knowledge could be the difference.
This move also fits into a broader pattern for the Bengals - finding value in overlooked players and developing them within the system. Kimber, a 24-year-old out of Penn State, may not have cracked Buffalo’s deep and talented secondary, which currently ranks No. 1 in the league against the pass.
But Cincinnati sees something worth exploring. Maybe it’s a long-term project.
Maybe it’s just a short-term intel play. Either way, he’s in the building, and that matters.
And if Kimber is looking for a blueprint on how to turn a practice squad opportunity into something more, he doesn’t have to look far. Jalen Davis, now the Bengals’ starting nickel corner, was once in a similar spot - grinding on the practice squad, waiting for his moment.
He’s now a key piece in Cincinnati’s secondary and has played a major role in the development of standout corner DJ Turner. That kind of mentorship could be invaluable for Kimber as he tries to carve out a role.
While the move might not make headlines, it speaks to the Bengals’ attention to detail. They know Burrow will do his thing - calm, calculated, and clutch - but every extra edge helps. And if Kimber can offer even a sliver of insight that helps slow down Allen or disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm, it’ll be a smart piece of roster management at a critical point in the season.
Don’t expect fireworks from this signing. But don’t be surprised if, come Sunday, the Bengals look just a little more prepared for what Buffalo throws at them.