KeiVarae Russell claimed by Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed cornerback KeiVarae Russell off of waivers after the rookie cornerback was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

Russell was an unexpected release by the Chiefs given that he was their second overall selection (third round choice) and the 74th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He did not play a single snap in the first game of the season and played sparingly in the preseason.

The Chiefs replaced Russell's spot on the roster by re-signing linebacker Dezman Moses. During his time with the media on Wednesday afternoon, Andy Reid said, "We felt this was the best thing to do for the Chiefs right now. He's a good young man and I think he has as good future."

The Bengals lost rookie cornerback William Jackson III to a torn pectoral muscle during the preseason, so there is a need for depth. Cincy's starters are Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones on the outside along with recent picks like Darqueze Dennard and Josh Shaw.