The Bengals snagged outside linebacker Sharif Finch off the waiver wire, but they weren’t the only team gunning for him. The Giants and Lions also tried to claim him, a source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Bengals’ league-worst 1-14 record had them at the top of the pecking order, but all three teams were eyeing Finch as a young and athletic pass rusher who could be developed. The Bengals won out, giving them a prospect that can be retained and groomed on the cheap.
Finch, 24, appeared in 23 games (three starts) for the Titans between 2018 and 2019. He notched 3.5 sacks in that span – including two sacks this year – and 40 total tackles.
The former UDFA out of Temple showed promise at times, but injuries held him back in 2019. He was also a healthy scratch for some games, which was odd, given the team’s need in that area following Cameron Wake‘s season-ending injury. Finch missed time in the offseason due to a shoulder injury of his own and that might have hurt his standing in Tennessee. Now, he’ll look to turn the page and stick with the Bengals, who figure to overhaul their roster this offseason.