Adolphus

Washington

Washington signed a one-year contract this summer, but he was never a lock to make the final 53-man roster. The former third-round pick has battled injuries and hasn’t lived up to his draft capital even when healthy.

A third-round pick in 2016, Washington struggled to stick on a roster last season, eventually landing on injured reserve. He was waived by the Bengals in April. He is not a lock to make the final roster.

Signed off the Cowboys’ practice squad last September, Washington played four games for the Bengals before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. The 2016 third-round pick will look to latch on to a camp roster after the draft.

A third-round pick by the Bills in 2016, Washington was waived by Buffalo earlier this month following a lackluster start to his career. The Bengals needed depth after Ryan Glasgow suffered a season-ending knee injury on Sunday.

GM Doug Whaley committed to Washington as a Week 1 starter earlier this offseason but Capaccio still needs convincing. Capaccio complimented Washington’s athleticism but feels he still needs to work on “gap-responsibility and going down the line of scrimmage to make plays.” That makes Washington somewhat of a liability in base sets. At least Washington has seen plenty of reps this offseason with Kyle Williams still recovering from offseason knee injury.

First-round EDGE Shaq Lawson and second-round ILB Reggie Ragland will also start. Washington projects at five technique opposite Kyle Williams in base sets, with Marcell Dareus playing nose tackle. Washington should also rotate inside in sub packages.

The deal includes a $754,296 signing bonus. Bills GM Doug Whaley has already tabbed Washington as a Week 1 starter. He will likely slot in as the five technique opposite Kyle Williams in base sets.

It means Washington should avoid league discipline. It’s needed good news for a team already dealing with Marcell Dareus issues. The No. 80 overall pick of last year’s draft, Washington had a decent rookie season.

Washington’s lawyer is trying to get the charge dismissed. Washington has a pre-trial hearing on Aug. 1 that he is not required to attend. It could take a while for the legal process to play out in this one.

Without warning, Washington allegedly reached for and displayed a gun to police while officers were clearing out a water park in Cincinnati. As an Ohio State senior in 2015, Washington was arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Washington started 11-of-15 games as a rookie last season, recording 2.5 sacks. Pending court resolution, he is now at risk of league discipline.