For the second straight year, the Bengals have tried to bolster their ranks at safety via a trade, acquiring Taylor Mays from the Niners for an undisclosed draft pick.

Mays is expected to arrive in Cincinnati on Tuesday. Mays had been on the trading blocks for close to three weeks after the Niners e-mailed the other 31 teams on Aug. 4 saying he was available.

That email was sent the same day Donte Whitner spurned the Bengals at the last minute to sign with the Niners.

LB Rey Maualuga, who went to school with Mays at Southern California, called Mays a great competitor and that he should be able to pick up Mike Zimmer's scheme quickly since Zimmer has gone slower than usual during training camp.

Mays projects more as a strong safety, where Chris Crocker is currently the starter, but Maualuga says he has the athleticism to play both spots.

While Mays has great vertical speed, many question his instincts and his ability to adjust in coverage.

The Bengals' staff though was impressed with Mays during last year's draft process and likely would have taken him if he had dropped to them five spots later.

Reggie Nelson, who the Bengals acquired in a trade for last year from Jacksonville, is the current starter at free safety and has had a good preseason. Mays is also the third former 49ers player to join the Bengals this season after CB Nate Clements and LB Manny Lawson signed.

The Bengals, who face Carolina in their third preseason game on Thursday, play host to the Niners in a Week 3 contest on Sept. 25.

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