Cincinnati Bearcats Football: 4 Former Bearcats Sign NFL Free Agent Deals

The Cincinnati Bearcats only had one player selected in the NFL draft this past April. 

Offensive lineman Jason Kelce was the only player to hear his name selected on draft weekend (sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles). 

A few Bearcats, particularly wide receiver Armon Binns expected to hear his name called in the later rounds, but instead had to wait months until the lockout ended. 

This past week four Bearcats inked contacts with professional franchises. 

Leading the way was Binns, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars; fellow receiver Vidal Hazelton signed with San Diego; tight end Ben Guidugli will be in camp with St. Louis; and kicker Jake Rogers signed with the New Orleans Saints. 

Armon Binns was the Bearcats' most valuable player last season and was a first team all-Big East selection. He will join a Jacksonville team with many receiver spots up for grabs—only one receiver on the roster has more than three years of NFL experience. 

Out of all the Bearcats selected, Binns has the best shot at making the roster.

Unfortunately, fellow wide receiver Vidal Hazelton only played one game in his injury shortened Bearcats career. But Hazelton is a very talented receiver who could find himself on San Diego's practice squad with a slim chance to make their 53-man roster. 

Fullback Ben Guidugli had a very successful college career and will be competing in St. Louis against not only the tight ends, but also possibly the fullbacks. His 6'1" and 230-pound frame make him well suited for the fullback position in the NFL. 

Kicker Jake Rogers is a long shot going against incumbent Garrett Hartley in New Orleans. Hartley has an excellent leg as does Rogers, but his inconsistency on the college level will make it difficult for him to crack their roster. 

With the signing of these four free agents, there are currently 21 former Bearcats on NFL rosters.