Waynes, 30 next month, was the 11th overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Vikings but never landed a second contract in Minnesota and spent the last two seasons with the Bengals. He started 79 career games, breaking up 43 passes and intercepting seven. He missed 28-of-33 games the last two years in Cincinnati. “Honestly, in my head, I'm done,” Waynes said Monday. “I'm not officially doing it just because I don't give a (expletive).” Waynes seems like he’d be open to keep playing but hasn’t drawn any interest after being released in March.

Waynes joined Cincinnati after playing out his rookie deal with the Vikings. The former first-round pick signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bengals but a torn pec kept him from taking the field in 2020. Then a hamstring injury held him out for all but five games last year. He was mostly ineffective when healthy. Waynes allowed 9.5 yards per target and was only credited with one pass defense. The second injury-plagued season all but assured his release. Waynes could sign somewhere else on a prove-it deal and look to ink a more substantial contract next offseason. 

Waynes and receiver Trenton Irwin were both on the COVID list but practiced today meaning they will be activated once transactions process. Waynes has only played four games this year because of a hamstring issue. He has eight combined tackles and no other stats. 

Waynes appeared in just two games this season and hasn't played since Week 5. His return comes at a good time with the Bengals dealing with a COVID outbreak. Bengals fourth-round OL D'Ante Smith has also been activated from IR, while WR Trent Taylor, LB Austin Calitro, and LB Keandre Jones have been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.