Bengals Re-Sign Restricted Free Agent Brandon Johnson

The Cincinnati Bengals have re-sign retricted free agent LB Brandon Johnson, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Johnson filled in admirably at weakside linebacker after Keith Rivers got his jaw broke during an Oct. 19the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“We knew Brandon had good potential, but the way he came on last season was a very pleasant surprise,” Bengals linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said. “His production was outstanding. He proved himself as a player that you definitely want on the field, and we are glad to have him back.”

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound fourth-year veteran from Louisville who started his career with the Arizona Cardinals, had a breakout season in 2008, his first year with the club.

Johnson finished second on the team with 112 tackles, but averaged 10 tackles per game over the last nine weeks of the season, all starts.

Bengals CB Leon Hall Busted for DUI

They are at it again, the Cincinnati Bengals player have a long history with breaking the law and it appears that cornerback Leon Hall didn't want to be left behind.

Leon Hall was stopped Sunday at 3:11 a.m. on Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road in Union Township.
The Ohio State Patrol said Hall's blood-alcohol level was .149, nearly twice the legal limit. Hall was charged with driving under the influence and driving left of center.

The arresting officer said Hall was polite and cooperative during the arrest. Hall was scheduled to appear Friday in court in Clermont County.

The 24-year-old Hall played college football at Michigan and has played in 32 games as a Bengal, compiling 143 tackles and eight interceptions.

Bengals Get Tank'ed

The Cincinnati Bengals have been publicly saying they want to improve the character of their team and stop signing players who have trouble with the law, or who are "bad character" guys. As is normal with the Bengals franchise they took a step in the opposite direction today with the signing of Tank Johnson. Signing the defensive tackle to a one-year deal, which is believed to be for the league minimum, which would be for $620,000 with a possible signing bonus of $50,000. Johnson will be entering his sixth season.

According to Johnson's agent, Jerrold Colton "Tank had a good meeting with the Bengals last Thursday and is excited to play for Marvin Lewis, (defensive coordinator) Mike Zimmer and (defensive line coach) Jay Hayes,"

Johnson has played the last two seasons in Dallas and struggled in the Cowboys' 3-4 alignment He had 45 tackles and a sack last year. Johnson began his career with the Bears and spent three seasons there, compiling 8.5 sacks. But in Chicago he made more news off the field than on it. After repeated off-the-field incidents, and serving time in prison, he was released by the Bears in 2007.

Ocho Cinco es una "No Show"

Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco (formerly Johnson) did not show up for the start of the team's offseason work-out program.

After a down year in 2008, QB Carson Palmer and the Bengals hoped Ocho Cinco would be present.

"I'm not worried about him; I'm worried about the guys we have here," Palmer said at a news conference Monday. "The guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys who are in the locker room right now and are here today."

Even though Bengals coach Marvin Lewis would not say what players were present, Carson Palmer was more willing to divulge the dissapointing information. Palmer did sound more upbeat when asked about other receivers such as Laveranues Coles, who was present.

This is not the first time that Ocho Cinco skipped an off-season program. Just last season 85 caused a major stir by skipping "voluntary" workouts and publicly stating his desire to be traded. Wether this absence is again hinting that he wants out of Cincinnati is unknown, but knowing Chad, if he wants out the media will hear about it soon. Ocho Cinco has not been in contact with the Bengals recently.

Last year Cincinnati passed up trade offers because the team was unwilling to take an $8 million salary-cap hit. A year later that cap number is reduced to $4.87 million to trade Ocho Cinco, making it more of a possibility.

The 31-year old receiver, is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, recording just 53 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns. He also was deactivated for a November game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for violating a team rule.

Vikings Match Bengals Offer for Tahi

The Bengals tried their best to get him back, but in the end the Vikings knew what they had.

The Vikings decided to matched Cincinnati's offer of one year and $1.4 million on Friday, meaning they will keep the restricted free agent.

Tahi was signed off the Bengals practice squad in 2006. He beat out Thomas Tapeh for the starting fullback job during the season and helped open holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the running game.

Tahi is really excited to be back in Minnesota and ready to work on improving the team. He says he and Peterson got into a good groove in the second half of the season, leading the way to Petersons' league rushing title.

Saints Release Kaesviharn

The Saints released safety Kevin Kaesviharn, a decision made easier after signing veteran free agent Pierson Prioleau. The team didn't make an official announcement, but team spokesman Greg Bensel and Kaesviharn's agent Bruce Tollner both confirmed the move.

Kaesviharn, 32, was scheduled to earn $1.6 million in salary and bonuses this year. He had two years remaining on the four-year contract he signed in 2007, but the Saints decided to go in a different direction, signing veterans Darren Sharper and Prioleau in free agency.

Kaesviharn started 14 games over the past two years with the Saints. But was ineffective during that span, he was inconsistent in coverage, giving up too many deep passing plays.

He earned the full-time starting job at free safety last year but missed the final five games of the season after suffering a neck injury. He finished the 2008 season with 61 tackles and two interceptions, giving him a total of 97 tackles and two interceptions during his time in New Orleans.

Bengals Sign FB Tahi to Offer Sheet

Viking FB Naufahu Tahi, a restricted free agent has been signed to an offer sheet by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Because he is a restricted free agent, and Minnesota tendered him a one-year contract at $1.01 million, the Vikings retained a right of first refusal. The terms of the offer sheet, believed to be for one year, were not yet available.

Tahi spent last season with the Vikings, the former Brigham Young standout is a strong lead blocker and rarely used as a ball carrier, as evidenced by his 23 touches over 3 seasons, he has helped clear the way for Minnesota tailback Adrian Peterson last year and his 1,760 yards.

The Vikings have seven days to either match the offer by Cincinnati or pass on it. If they match it, the Vikings will assume the major terms of the offer sheet. If they opt not to match, Tahi will move to the Bengals, and the Vikings will receive no compensation, because Tahi originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent.

Chiefs Add Linebacker Mays

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker Corey Mays.
Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Mays, primarily a special teamer has played in 32 games, including one start, during two seasons with New England and Cincinnati. He tallied 16 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 38 special teams tackles.

After his collegiate career at Notre Dame where Mays was a second-team All-American, he entered the NFL in 2006 as a rookie free agent with the Patriots.

Bengals Release Jackson, Others

The Cincinnati Bengals have released former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson, allowing him to become a free agent. They also waived three players — guard James Blair, cornerback Marcus Brown and defensive end Victor DeGrate.

Jackson, an 11th-year NFL player in 2009, played the last three seasons for the Bengals, seeing action in 29 games with 28 starts. He joined the Bengals as a free agent in 2006 after his second stint in Tampa Bay.

He was limited to three games in 2008, due to thumb and hamstring injuries. Jackson has 433 career tackles, five sacks and 17 interceptions.

Blair, Brown and DeGrate are all classified first-year players in 2009. Each was on the Bengals practice squad for a portion of 2008, and each had been signed to the 2009 offseason roster on Dec. 30.

O'Sullivan to Backup Palmer

The Cincinnati Bengals have added QB J.T. O'Sullivan to be the backup for Carson Palmer. His signing became necessary when Ryan Fitzpatrick, who replaced Palmer most of last season after he suffered an elbow injury, left for Buffalo. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

O'Sullivan, 29, started the first eight games for San Francisco last season. He also spent time playing in NFL Europe and with the New Orleans Saints, where he was picked in the sixth round of the 2002 draft.

Coles Signs in Cincy

It appears as if Laveranues Coles was right, before the start of free agency the New York Jets offered Coles $6 Million guaranteed for one more season. He tuened it down because he felt like more money was to be made on the open market.

Initially his decision did not appear wise after Coles toured the league in search of a deal, with no teams making an offer. Then as luck would have it the Bengals lost T.J. Houshmanzadeh to the Seattle Seahawks and an job opened up for Coles.

The Bengals offered Coles a four-year deal worth $24 Million, confirming his decision to leave. The 31-year-old Coles caught 631 passes during his nine-year career. He has 8,095 yards and 44 touchdown receptions.

"Clearly, Laveranues gives our passing game another proven weapon," coach Marvin Lewis said. "He's been durable and reliable, with high production in catches, yards, yards per catch and touchdowns. He's also a passionate player, a guy who will bring a very positive chemistry to our locker room."

Coles will team with Chad Ocho Cinco and a hopefully healthy Carson Palmer who look to revitalize an offense that struggled most of last season.

Benson Remains in Cincinnati

Troubled running back Cedrick Benson has decided to continue resurrecting his career in Cincinnati, and has signed a two-year contract to remain a Bengal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Benson was Chicago's first-round pick and the fourth overall in the 2005 draft, but struggled to stay on the field because of his poor work ethic. In Cincinnati last season, Benson became a bright spot fot the team and finished the season with 747 yards on 214 carries. He also caught 20 passes for 185 yards. He had the team's longest run (46 yards) and longest reception (79 yards).

"Cedric was recognized as an elite talent coming out of college," coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday. "His years in Chicago weren't what he hoped for, but he was able to give us a lift on the field and be a great presence in the locker room. He earned everyone's respect, and we're excited to let him continue to grow in our system."

T.J. Whosyourmama Signs in Seattle, CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh, has decided to sign with the Seattle Seahawks after an intense recruiting trip in Minnesota and interest from several teams, including his former team the Cincinnati Bengals.


Houshmanzadeh signed a five-year $40 Million contract which includes $15 Million in guarantees.


The 31-year old is a dependable receiver and has 374 receptions in last four years, more than any other receiver in that span. He joins a seattle squad that has struggled for receivers in recent years where no receiver has had more than 50 catches in a season the last few years.

Bengals Bring Back Blackstock

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to bring back unrestricted free agent LB Darryl Blackstock. Terms of the contract were not revealed.

Blackstock, started four games last season and appeared in eight others, getting 17 tackles. He was suspended for four games by the NFL for using a performance-enhancing substance.

Brothers to Play Side-by-Side in City of Brotherly Love

Eagles' Right guard Shawn Andrew might see a familliar face lining up next to him next season in Philadelphia as the Eagles have signed Andrews' older brother RT Stacy Andrews. Head coach Andy Reid has also discussed the two swapping positions as both brothers can play either position.

The Eagles also hope having big brother around provide a stabilizing presence for his brother, who said he did not report to training camp last summer because he was suffering from depression.

The terms of the contract were not disclosed.

An interesting tidbit of information the Andrews' brothers are only the third set of brothers to play on the same offensive line since 1951, joining Jay and Joel Hilgenberg of the 1993 Saints and Dave and Doug Widell of the Broncos circa 1990-92.

Fitzpatrick Brings His Harvard Smarts to Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills have signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The four-year veteran stepped in for Bengals starter Carson Palmer, who suffered an elbow injury that required surgery. In his 12 starts he completed better than 59 percent of his passes. He threw for over 1,900 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions and a passer rating of 70.

Fitzpatrick, will likely serve as Trent Edwards back-up and mentor next season. Fitzpatrick, who played his college ball at Harvard is considered a superior student of the game with good character marks all the way around. This move may solidify the end of free agent QB J.P. Losman's run in Buffalo.

I think it’s helped me a lot in my career to play behind Marc Bulger and Carson Palmer,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve been able to see how they approach the game, and in doing that I’ve been able to help them out. I think that’s what I’m going to bring here. Trent is still a young guy and I’m going to help him out with his preparation. I’m going to be his eyes when he’s on the field and I’m looking forward to that relationship.”

Bengals Bring Back Two

The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed safety Chris Crocker and halfback DeDe Dorsey.
Terms and lengths of the contracts were not released Friday.

Crocker, who joined the Bengals at midseason in 2008, had become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expired. In the final eight games, he had 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception and a forced fumble.

Dorsey had become a free agent earlier Friday, played in the first four games before a season-ending hamstring injury. He had two receptions for 49 yards.

Bengals Tender Two LB's, Release Four

The Bengals tendered contract offers to linebackers Brandon Johnson and Rashad Jeantry that gives them the right to match any offer. If the Bengals decide not to match another team's offer, they get a second-round draft pick as compensation.

The team decided not to make tender offers to running back DeDe Dorsey, receiver Glenn Holt, linebacker Corey Mays and safety John Busing, allowing them to become free agents.

Titans Might be Interested in Steelers Washington

Looking to improve their wide receiver position this offseason, the Tennessee Titans might be interested in acquiring some free agents.

One player that may have caught the eye of the Titans, according to a source, could be Pittsburgh Steelers free agent Nate Washington.

Washington played this season as the Steelers third receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and caught a career-high 40 passes for the Super Bowl champions.

In three seasons with the Steelers, Washington has 104 receptions and averaged 16.4 yards per catch with nine touchdowns.

Other free agent receivers who will hit the unrestricted market include Cincinnati’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh, San Francisco’s Bryant Johnson, the New York Giants’ Amani Toomer and the Titans own pair of free agents Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins.

Bengals K Graham Tagged

The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to use their franchise tag on K Shayne Graham, a 9 year veteran who has been with the team since signing as a free agent in 2003.

“Shayne has consistently performed at a high level for us, and we expect that same performance in 2009 and hopefully beyond,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis in a team-issued release. “We’ll continue to speak with Shayne and his representatives about signing a longer-term deal.”

To franchise Graham, the Bengals are required to tender Graham a one-year deal worth $2.483 million

He ranks fourth all-time in the NFL in career field goal accuracy (85.6 percent), and his career accuracy with the Bengals is 87.5 percent -- a franchise record by more than 10 points over second-place Doug Pelfrey (77.3).

Graham holds numerous other Bengals career, season and game records. The list includes points in a season (131), FGs in a season (31), FGs in a game (seven), consecutive FGs made (21), season FG percentage (91.2) and consecutive PATs made (158). Graham also handles kickoffs, and in 2008 he passed Pelfrey into second-place in all-time Bengals scoring (682), behind only 13-year Bengal Jim Breech (1151 points from 1980-92).

By franchising Graham, it leaves the team in a difficult position with WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh. They will have until Feb. 27th to sign Housh to a contract or risk losing him in free agency.