Cincinnati Bengals sign Danieal Manning

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning (38) returns a kickoff during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals and safety Danieal Manning have agreed to a one-year deal, per the team’s official Twitter account. Manning, a 2006 second round pick of the Bears, played his first five years in Chicago before going to Houston in 2011, where he spent his past three seasons.

Manning was released by the Texans just a few days ago after a disappointing 2013 season in which he only played in six games. In his first two years in Houston, Manning was a serviceable strong safety for an elite defense, but his injury in 2013 was one of many for the Texans defense that lead to the wheels coming off last season, although Houston’s D was not even close to why the team went 2-14.

For the Bengals, they add a veteran safety who has been better against the run in his career. The Bengals defense was very solid last season, even though the team lost Geno Atkins and Leon Hall to injury. Manning will get a chance to start alongside free safety Reggie Nelson. He will compete with third-year pro George Iloka for the starting gig at strong safety.

The signing of Manning for the Bengals will prove to be a nice, if unexciting move for the team as long as he stays healthy. When looking at the secondary in Cincy, fans will hope that this coming year will be the one in which corner Dre Kirkpatrick finally breaks out.