Bengals lose rookie UDFA in the middle of the preseason to something completely out of their control
A rookie undrafted free agent signing of the Cincinnati Bengals has officially left the team. Cornerback Ceyair Wright, who was signed following the 2026 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, has been placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list.
A rookie undrafted free agent signing of the Cincinnati Bengals has officially left the team.
Cornerback Ceyair Wright, who was signed following the 2026 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, has been placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list. He will not count against the 90-man roster, and his roster spot has been subsequently filled by another rookie UDFA CB in Matthew McDoom.
Cincinnati has officially stated Wright will “pursue other opportunities.” those opportunities very likely have something to do with his career that began before his time in the NFL.
Ceyair Wright leaving the Bengals to pursue a passion
Coach Zac Taylor told reporters Saturday afternoon that Wright had called him last night, a day after the Bengals first preseason game, to let him know he was leaving the team.
“Two things he’s really passionate about were colliding,” Taylor said. “And he decided to pursue this opportunity.”
It’s very likely that Wright is now pursuing his acting career while setting football to the side. Per IMDB, Wright is officially credited in appearing in seven television/movie productions as an actor. His most notable role was playing LeBron James’ son in the 2021 movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
Wright play 38 defensive snaps and four special team snaps during his first ever NFL preseason game Thursday night. Cincinnati defeated the Detroit Lions, 16-14.
Will this be the last time we seen him on a football field? It’s quite possible. For now, it sounds like he’s got an opportunity in store for him as an actor. And with preseason ramping up and the regular season on the horizon, it would’ve been extremely difficult to do both.
Wright’s replacement on the roster, McDoom, is a familiar name for those in the Queen City. He played the 2025 college football season at the University of Cincinnati after spending three years at Coastal Carolina.
B.J. Hill is also back
Prior to the announcement regarding Wright, veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill was officially cleared to practice. Hill began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he was recovering from an offseason procedure he had on his foot.
The Bengals are now at full strength along the interior of their defensive line, and McDoom will ensure the defense has enough bodies at cornerback for the remainder of the preseason.
