Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Free-agent safety Taylor Mays has reportedly found a home for next season.

Rand Getlin of NFL Network reported that Mays agreed to a new deal with the Bengals.

Geoff Hobson of the team's official website reported on Wednesday that the Bengals were believed to be "in discussions and have made good progress to bring back safety Taylor Mays and reprise his role as a nickel linebacker to replace the departed Emmanuel Lamur."

Mays played with the Bengals from 2011-14, appearing in 50 games, and recorded his only career sack to date with them. The 28-year-old spent last season with the Oakland Raiders, appearing in 14 games with five starts and a career-high five passes defensed.

One reason Mays' market likely hasn't been brimming with potential suitors is because the former second-round pick is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Another potential reason is Mays' production wasn't particularly good last season, as Pro Football Focus ranked him 62nd out of 87 safeties overall.

The Bengals and head coach Marvin Lewis do have a history with Mays. They also likely have a better understanding of his strengths and weaknesses than any other franchise in the NFL. Their need for a nickel linebacker who can drop back into coverage makes him a good fit, even with a possible suspension looming.