Taylor Mays Reportedly Facing 2nd Substance Abuse Policy Suspension

Free-agent safety Taylor Mays is looking at a four-game suspension to start the 2016 season for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, but he may now be out even longer. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the 28-year-old committed a second violation and could be out another four games.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed Mays in April but released him Saturday. While breaking the news of Mays' likely second suspension, Rapoport speculated that was the reason for his departure from Cincinnati.

Mays appeared in 14 games for the Oakland Raiders in 2015 and recorded 26 combined tackles. Pro Football Focus gave him a 64.6 overall grade in 2015, which ranked 63rd out of 89 qualified safeties. On the whole, Mays has largely failed to fulfill the potential he showed in college with the USC Trojans.

A second suspension will hurt Mays' chances of landing with a new team right now. According to Rapoport, a reunion in Cincinnati may not be out of the question, though:

Returning to the Bengals when he's eligible to play makes sense for Mays. He spent four years with the team from 2011 to 2014 and was a solid backup safety when he stayed healthy.

Depending on how the 2016 season unfolds, the Bengals may not need Mays' services, but if they're still looking to add depth behind George Iloka and Shawn Williams, signing the six-year veteran may not be a bad idea.