Brandon

Wilson

Wilson is a core special teamer who serves as the Bengals’ primary kick returner. He played just 65 snaps on defense last season, but he is seasoned enough to help out in a pinch.

It’s the value of the low RFA tender Wilson was handed by the Bengals. Wilson played 183 defensive snaps last season and is Cincinnati’s kick returner. Wilson led the league in return yards average at 31.3 in 2019.

Wilson was already out for Week 14 but this ends his season. Wilson had been one of the top kick returners before going down, averaging 31.3 yards with one touchdown. The Bengals will likely go with Alex Erickson to replace Wilson.

Wilson was a jack-of-all trades for the Cougars, starring at cornerback, running back and also making a name for himself as a standout return specialist. He flashed freakish athleticism at his Pro Day, turning in a 4.36 forty and broad-jumping 11'1 while grading out as a 92nd-percentile SPARQ athlete. Now it will be the Bengals’ job to harness that athleticism and find out where Wilson fits best. He should contribute on special teams right away.

He participated in rookie minicamp but quickly got hurt and has only been able to do side work. The Bengals have listed Wilson as a safety after he played corner, running back, and returned kicks at Houston. He had a monster Pro Day, running a 4.36 forty with an 11-foot-1 broad jump. He figures to immediately be a special teams centerpiece with the potential to become more.