I once heard a freshman correct a coach who mispronounced his name, and the coach responded, “Start making plays and I’ll learn your name.”
We all learned how to say Maema Njongmeta pretty quickly.
Maema Njongmeta
- Height: 6-foot
- Weight: 232 pounds
- Age: 24
- College: Wisconsin
- Hometown: Ngaoundere, Cameroon
- Experience: 1 year
Cap Status
Maema Njongmeta enters the second year of his three-year $2.8 million rookie deal. This year, he will make $960,000 and carry a cap number of $965,000. Cutting him would only result in a cap hit of $10,000. Because his rookie deal was only three years long, he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2027.
Background
Maema Njongmeta broke out in his junior season with the Wisconsin Badgers. He was all over the field with 95 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. As a senior, his production dropped off to only 59 tackles, despite playing in just as many games. Then came an uninspiring performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. In the end, Njongmeta did not get drafted.
The Bengals picked him up immediately after the draft. Njongmeta stood out during training camp, flashing play after play. He totaled 26 tackles in 3 preseason games.
Not only did Njongmeta make the team, but he was active for every game and played a key role. Although he saw limited action on defense, his 371 special teams snaps were the most on the team.
Outlook on the 2024 season and Beyond
It’s very impressive for an undrafted free agent (UDFA) to come in and make the kind of impact that Maema Njongmeta did in his rookie season. You would think that his spot would be secure, but the Bengals’ front office isn’t going to make it easy on him.
The team added Oren Burks in free agency and spent prime draft capital on Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. Add in Logan Wilson, and you’ve got four linebackers who are certain to make the cut.
That leaves Njongmeta to compete with Shaka Hayward, Joe Harris-Giles, and Craig Young for what is likely one remaining spot.
My money is on Njongmeta due to his special teams acumen. I think it will likely keep him in Cincinnati throughout his rookie contract.
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