Rey Maualuga: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent LB

Free-agent inside linebacker Rey Maualuga has been a key cog in the Cincinnati Bengals' consistent defense, which has helped the team to the playoffs in five of the past six years. That convinced the Bengals to re-sign him on Thursday

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Bengals Re-Sign Maualuga

Thursday, March 5

The Bengals announced they re-signed Maualuga to a three-year deal, per the team on Twitter.

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Could Packers Target Maualuga to Replace Hawk?

Friday, Feb. 27

Bleacher Report's Chris Simms discusses whether the Green Bay Packers should target Maualuga to replace the departed A.J. Hawk:

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Simms: Bengals Should Re-Sign Maualuga

Thursday, Feb. 26

Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris Simms explained why the Bengals should re-sign Maualuga:

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Hobson: Bengals Would Like to Re-Sign Maualuga, Covet Physicality

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com took questions from fans and among the topics discussed was Maualuga's future with the Bengals. Hobson stated the team would like to re-sign Maualuga while explaining why he was such a coveted player:

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If Maualuga isn’t back here, he could always end up in Minnesota with Mike Zimmer. But I think he’ll be back. They want him back. They covet his physicality and if there is one thing this team needs to do it is keep cultivating its physicality, so they need him. And I think it cuts both ways. He’s extremely comfortable in this defense and with the guys around him and it would be a plus for him to be back.

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Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther expressed a desire for Maualuga to return following the conclusion of the team's 2014 campaign, per ESPN.com's Coley Harvey: "I like Rey as a player. I always have. I know he gets a bad rap around here and has in the past some, but he played damn good when he was in there, so I hope to have him back."

Maualuga's athleticism could allow him to fill in at outside linebacker if he decides to join a new team, which Hobson noted the Vikings could be a team competing for Maualuga's services. As solid as he is in pass coverage, though, capitalizing on opportunities to make solo tackles was a problem for Maualuga last year.

However, CincyJungle.com's Josh Kirkendall highlighted an interesting statistic that could hurt Maualuga's overall value as he seeks a new contract:

In terms of other unrestricted free-agent inside linebackers, Rolando McClain of the Dallas Cowboys should garner interest after a resurgent season for America's Team. New York Jets veteran David Harris is another big name available.

Beyond those two, though, Maualuga may be the best option, which should give him leverage to maximize his salary in the years to come.

Leaving the Bengals would mark the first time Maualuga has changed teams in his NFL career, but most of Cincinnati's defense will be intact next year whether or not he is still around. Vontaze Burfict's presence in the linebacker corps affords the Bengals the luxury to spend in other areas, too.

Injuries have caused Maualuga to miss five games over the past two years. That's another risk Cincinnati and interested teams have to weigh when considering whatever investment Maualuga ultimately demands.