Former Cincinnati Bearcats Sign As Free Agents

Dec 1, 2012; East Hartford, CT, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Greg Blair (51) reacts after missing an interception during the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at Rentschler Field. The Bearcats defeated UConn, 34-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

With no Cincinnati Bearcats players taken in the 2014 NFL Draft that opened up the graduating players to sign with any team they wanted as unrestricted free agents following Saturday’s final day of the Draft. Five Bearcats signed as free agents Saturday.

Former quarterback Brendon Kay announced via text message to the Cincinnati Enquire that he has signed a free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kay was essentially a 2-year starter for the Bearcats over his 5 years as a quarterback at the University of Cincinnati. In 2012 Kay played in 11 games passing for 1,298 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2013 following Munchie Legaux’s gruesome injury Kay passed for 3,302 yards, 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Kay will look to compete for a regular season roster spot with the Steelers this fall.

Another big name from the 2013 Bearcats to sign as a free agent is linebacker Greg Blair, who by all accounts should have been drafted in this years NFL Draft. Blair signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was a leader on the Bearcats defense, a player who a year/2 years ago was easily a third round pick. In 2012 Blair recorded 68 solo tackles, 103 total tackles, and 2 interceptions. He followed that up in 2013 with 48 solo tackles, 77 total tackles and 3 passes defended. Blair should have been a draft pick, he will impress in Cleveland this fall.

Other players to sign as free agents include offensive lineman Andre Cureton who agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Tight end Blake Annen signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, he becomes the fifth Bearcat on the Eagles roster joining Trent Cole, Connor Barwin, Jason Kelce, and Brent Celek. The last Bearcat to sign as a free agent was wide receiver Anthony McClung who signed with the Houston Texans.

2014 marked the first year since 2006 that no Bearcats were drafted in the NFL Draft. Tommy Tuberville looks to turn that around in his second year as head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats. Tuberville will have great NFL prospects over the next few seasons. The future is bright for the Bearcats and all players that signed as free agents.