How Bengals signing Boye Mafe overhauls NFL draft plan

The Cincinnati Bengals found themselves a new veteran edge-rusher by agreeing to terms with Seahawks free-agent defensive end Boye Mafe on a three-year, $60 million contract. Details of the contracts have not been released yet.

Mafe, 27, had 31 tackles and two sacks last season and added five tackles in the playoffs (one in the Super Bowl). He has played in all but three games in his career since coming into the league in 2022 as the 40th pick of the draft. He has 20 career sacks in four seasons.

Does this affect the Bengals' plans at the position going into the draft as of now?

Mafe is a very solid defensive end and is now getting $20 million per year, on average, which is more than half of the top of the market. Mafe should be part of a rotation, rather than the main piece of the puzzle.

The Bengals can still use pieces at defensive end and that could start with their first-round pick in the draft. If one of the top edge-rushers falls to No. 10, he very well could be the best player on the board for the Bengals. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was viewed as a top option as well, but the Bengals added Bryan Cook in free agency from the Kansas City Chiefs. David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. would be very strong fits. Auburn's Keldric Faulk is a bit of a gamble for the Bengals at No. 10.

Another name to watch later in the draft is Malachi Lawrence of UCF. Lawrence had seven sacks last season for UCF, was named First-Team All-Big 12 and was one of the top players throughout the week at the Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. Also keep an eye on Missouri's Zion Young, who flashed in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl.

Mafe is a nice signing for the Bengals. But more pass-rushers is always a good thing. Cincinnati should continue to load up throughout the offseason and in the draft.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals signing Boye Mafe overhauls NFL draft plan