Bengals Roster Breakdown: Noah Cain's nose for the end zone can score him a 53-man roster spot

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jun 26, 2024 1:29 PM ET

Throughout the summer leading up to the regular season, we will go through the entire 2024 Cincinnati Bengals roster. Every single day until the season opener against the New England Patriots, we will break down a player on the roster including his background, contract status, and path towards making the team.

Today, we're headed to the backfield for the first time and taking a look at running back Noah Cain. Cincinnati is certainly no stranger to LSU players, but the Baton Rouge native surprisingly didn't start his college journey with his hometown school. He ended up a Bayou Bengal in search of a larger role, and now he'll look for even more chances with the Bengals of Cincinnati.

Noah Cain

Age: 23
Year: 1st
Position: Running back
College: LSU
Previous Teams: None
Jersey Number: 36

Cain signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. His first three years in college were spent at Penn State, where he looked like a promising offensive weapon right out the gate. He ran for 443 yards and his eight touchdowns in 2019 were a program record for freshmen. All of that momentum was stifled next year as he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the shortened 2020 COVID season. His 2021 campaign wasn't too inspiring as he ran for 350 yards while averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt.

Knowing his time in Happy Valley passed, Cain came back home to LSU prior to the 2022 season. His first year for the Tigers was reminiscent of his 2019 season as he rushed for 409 yards and 10 touchdowns. His role in 2023 wasn't as large and his production suffered because of it, rushing for 181 yards and three touchdowns. An up-and-down college career led to his name going uncalled during the draft.

Contract details

Cain signed a three-year college free agent deal with the Bengals in May that will pay him the minimum salary for the 2024 season.

His salary will cost $795,000 for the entire season if he's kept on the team for the entire regular season, but with a $7,500 signing bonus prorated throughout the deal, his cap hit as of now is $797,500 for the year.

Roster chances

It's a good year to be a running back in Cincinnati. The departure of Joe Mixon opens the door for a new dynamic between all the backs who make the roster. Zack Moss and Chase Brown will lead the charge, but behind them are two expendable players in Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans. Williams at least has value as a kickoff returner and has been re-signed in each of the last two offseasons. Evans has seemingly forfeited all trust to contribute on offense.

That's where a UDFA like Cain can come in and take his spot. Despite their pass-heavy offense, the Bengals typically opt for four running backs on the initial roster. With Evans very much on the bubble, there should be a legitimate battle for his job.

Cain will have to beat out another rookie in Elijah Collins along with Evans to make the team, but one could see this as a true three-back race. Draft status and experience may give Evans a slight advantage, but Cain has a real chance to win.

Chances of making the roster: 30%