Bengals host Olympic wrestler Mason Parris for workout

The Bengals are looking in some unorthodox places for potential roster additions.

There have been plenty of stories of athletes from other sports trying to make a name for themselves in the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals may be hoping they strike gold with one of the most recent attempts in USA Olympic wrestler Mason Parris. The team hosted him for a workout this week, according to Charlie Clifford.

Parris worked out as a defensive end and linebacker.

For his last football experience, you have to go back to his high school days. He was a three-time First-Team All-State linebacker and three-time Tri-State football Indiana Defensive Player of the Year. He then went to Michigan and focused on his promising wrestling career. As a fifth-year senior, he was undefeated.

Parris went on to qualify to represent the USA in the Summer Olympics this year. He made it to the round of 16 before losing. He has several medals in other international contests outside of the Olympics including a Gold in the 2023 Pan American games in the men’s 125 kg. He went undefeated in that particular event.

Wrestling and hand usage are mentioned quite a bit when talking about players in the trenches, which would explain the possible move to defensive end. Also, Parris likely hasn’t been working on his speed to be able to play linebacker in the NFL. This is probably an offseason roster candidate.

The Bengals’ defensive line is in a good spot right now aside from injuries. Myles Murphy was a first-round pick from last season playing behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. Murphy should return soon after missing the first four games while on IR.

Joseph Ossai is still looking to return to his promising form from the 2022 season, and the team just claimed KJ Henry from the Washington Commanders.

Some competition never hurts in the offseason, though.