New Bengals LB Joe Bachie was a popular player on waivers as the Broncos and Saints also attempted to claim the former Michigan state standout.

Bachie signed with the Saints as UDFA last year, which attempted to bring him back. Cincy had the highest priority.

– Yates field (@FieldYates) May 27, 2021

It’s an open secret that the New Orleans Saints might need a linebacker help, but they won’t be finding Joe Bachie. The former Michigan State star signed an impressive undrafted rookie deal with black and gold in 2020, but spent most of the season on his practice squad; his coaching job gave him a big vote of confidence for his defensive skills, but a lack of special teams potential kept him on the bench.

Then the Philadelphia Eagles debauched Bachie from the Saints’ practice squad. He has appeared in four games for the Doomed Birds to end their season, recording 56 shots in the kick-off match against 18 defending reps, but noting their only victory over New Orleans, coincidentally (a game in which Bachie played six special teams shots). Philadelphia recently gave up on the sophomore pro, and ESPN’s Field Yates reports that the Saints have submitted a waiver request to bring him home, as have the Denver Broncos. But the Bégnals had a higher priority than the two teams.

Bachie is the last former Saints player to land in Cincinnati, where he will join defensive captain Vonn Bell and cornerback Eli Apple, as well as defensive end Trey Hendrickson (who joined the Bengals on a lucrative agent contract. free, which should return a draft pick to New Orleans). The Saints aren’t expected to face the Bengals again until 2022, but it’s possible that several familiar faces will line up against them when LSU icons Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase bring their teammates back to Louisiana.