Mr. Irrelevant for the 2024 NFL Draft returned to the league on Tuesday for the third time this year, and for the first time, safety Jaylen Key isn’t with the New York Jets.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed the former Alabama defensive back for their practice squad, the NFL team announced.

Key had been a free agent since Oct. 30, when he was released by New York.

Key joined the Jets as the final pick in the NFL Draft on April 27, earning the Mr. Irrelevant recognition, and he was feted this summer during Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, California.

Although he started every preseason game, Key didn’t make New York’s active roster entering the regular season. But after releasing him, the Jets signed Key for their practice squad. Key stayed with New York for the first three games of the season before he was released on Sept. 25.

The Jets signed Key for their practice squad again on Oct. 9, and he again stayed for three games before being released.

Each NFL team can carry a practice squad of 16 players and can elevate two of those players to active status each game. Key did not play while with the New York.

Key becomes Cincinnati’s second safety from the Crimson Tide. Jordan Battle is a starter in the Bengals’ secondary.

Before playing for Alabama in 2023, Key spent five years at UAB and played in four seasons.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.