The Cincinnati Bengals made a roster adjustment at cornerback on Saturday, signing a player with local ties after one of their undrafted free agents stepped away from the club.
The team announced the addition of Matthew McDoom, a rookie defensive back who completed his college career at the University of Cincinnati. At the same time, the Bengals reported that Ceyair Wright had left the organization to pursue other opportunities and would be placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list.
That designation takes Wright off the active 90-man roster count, creating an opening for McDoom as the Bengals continue evaluating their secondary ahead of final cuts. McDoom joined the club just one week after the Baltimore Ravens waived him on Aug. 8. He had signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in May following the NFL draft.
McDoom brings familiarity with the Cincinnati area and a solid body of college work into the Bengals’ cornerback mix. He spent his first three seasons at Coastal Carolina before transferring to the University of Cincinnati for the 2025 campaign. Last season he appeared in all 13 games for the Bearcats and started every regular-season contest, finishing with 50 tackles.
His most memorable play came against Oklahoma State, when he intercepted a pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. McDoom also handled two kickoff returns during the year, giving him a potential special-teams avenue as he tries to make an impression in the remaining preseason practices and games.
His strongest statistical season in pass coverage came in 2024 while still at Coastal Carolina. That year he earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors after posting 36 tackles, three tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups and three interceptions. The 10 pass breakups ranked tied for 12th in the nation.
Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 180 pounds, McDoom also carries special-teams experience from earlier in his career. As a freshman at Coastal Carolina he averaged 22.6 yards per kickoff return and broke off a 95-yard return, earning all-conference recognition from multiple outlets for his return work.
That combination of skills could prove useful for a player entering camp relatively late. The Bengals already have several established options higher on the depth chart at cornerback, so McDoom’s best path to sticking around may run through special teams contributions and depth roles as the roster takes shape.
Wright’s exit removes one young corner from a position group that entered training camp with notable competition. Cincinnati had signed the Nebraska product as an undrafted free agent in May. Over 49 college games, including 32 starts, Wright recorded 109 tackles, 16 pass breakups, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He began his career at USC before finishing at Nebraska.
The Bengals had highlighted Wright among their new additions in a July secondary preview. That group also included third-round draft pick Tacario Davis along with returning players Dax Hill and Josh Newton. Davis, selected 72nd overall in April, has been pushing for playing time throughout camp, which left Wright competing for one of the remaining spots before he chose to leave.
Team officials offered no further details on the circumstances of Wright’s departure beyond the statement that he left to pursue other opportunities. McDoom now steps into that vacated roster spot and will have a limited window to show what he can do.
With roster decisions approaching, the former Bearcat will need to make a quick impact. His local background, proven ball skills and return ability give the Bengals several areas in which to evaluate him before the 53-man roster is finalized.
