CINCINNATI — Former Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey agreed to a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Tuesday.
Cincinnati took Bailey in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He fell to the seventh round because of injuries. He was able to stay healthy for most of his four seasons with the Bengals, appearing in 60 games and compiling 73 tackles in the process.
Bailey became a core special teamer for Darrin Simmons unit and was a quality backup linebacker. He said goodbye to Cincinnati on social media after the news broke that he was going to Arizona.
“Cincinnati,
I’m proud of the fact that I was a Bengal the last 4 years. The team that believed in me enough to draft me after my injury when no one else would. The team that gave me the opportunity to play in my home state where all my family and friends are. The team that no one believed in but went on to win the AFC North, the division, and go to the AFC Championship back to back years. The team that went to the first superbowl for the Bengals since 1989. The team where I was able to create amazing relationships with my teammates and be a part of something really special. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to reach my full potential as a player in Cincinnati..but these are all memories and experiences I will take with me forever.
And to the fans, Who Dey Nation,
It was so fun playing for a team with such a passionate fan base. The energy in Paycor stadium during a night game is something I’ll never forget. The excitement and momentum you generated during our first playoff run helped recreate our identity to the rest of the league. The interactions walking to and from practice everyday, during events like meet the Bengals nights, and casual ones in the city are ones I’ll never take for granted.
Wishing the team and city of Cincinnati more success going forward.
Thankful for it all,
-MB51”
Check out his full tweet below:
Cincinnati,
I’m proud of the fact that I was a Bengal the last 4 years. The team that believed in me enough to draft me after my injury when no one else would. The team that gave me the opportunity to play in my home state where all my family and friends are. The team that no… pic.twitter.com/8bSqvzohJq
— Markus Bailey (@mb_boiler21) May 8, 2024
