Bengals announce trade for Taylor Mays

CINCINNATI - The Bengals on Tuesday morning officially announced what had been reported Monday night.

The team acquired safety Taylor Mays in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. The Bengals gave San Francisco an undisclosed future draft pick for the former USC Trojan. Cincinnati originally said they gave up an undisclosed 2012 draft pick.

After the Bengals failed to sign Donte Whitner, who opted for the 49ers ironically, you knew they were still going to try and land another safety. Mays (6'3" and 230 pounds) was highly touted coming out of college but struggled in his rookie year, mainly in pass coverage. He does possess rare speed for a safety and is known as a hard hitter. He passed his physical and is practicing with the Bengals on Tuesday and could see some playing time Thursday night when Cincinnati hosts the Carolina Panthers.

The Bengals also announced the release of five players: Running back Jonathan Williams, wide receivers John Standeford, Lance Cox and Bart Johnson, and tackle Andrew Gardner.

Cincinnati now has 86 players on the roster and must cut down to the required 80 by next Tuesday.