The Bengals' need to fortify their supply of linebackers resulted in their first free-agent signing of the offseason Tuesday and the promise of a distinguished visitor next week.
Cincinnati began stockpiling by signing four-year veteran Eddie Sutter, lately of the Baltimore Ravens, to a two-year contract.
The Bengals will continue searching for linebackers by courting one of the best available
unrestricted free agents: Wayne Simmons, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Green Bay Packers. He will visit the team's facilities and meet club personnel Tuesday.
''He (Simmons) accepted the invitation enthusiastically,'' said Jim Lippincott, the Bengals' director of pro personnel and scouting.
Simmons was considered one of the few players who might attract a lucrative offer quickly when the free-agency period opened in
mid-February. But he appears to have been caught in a glut of accomplished linebackers who, in the
opinion of team officials around the league, have made excessive salary demands. Lippincott lumped Simmons in this group along with Ron George, Terry Wooden, Lonnie Marts and Darrin Smith.
''They're all asking for more money than they should,'' Lippincott said. ''And there are some good players on that list.''
Cincinnati's switch to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau necessitates a larger linebacking
contingent. The Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, employed 10 linebackers last season under LeBeau.
Adding Sutter still leaves the Bengals looking for another inside linebacker to join Tom Tumulty and Steve Tovar, who's recovering from a serious knee injury. They also must bolster the corps of outside linebackers that currently includes James Francis, Ricardo McDonald, Gerald Dixon and Randy Neal. Lippincott hopes to take 11 or 12 linebackers to training camp, a number that LeBeau will trim to eight or nine.
Sutter, 27, earned his chance to join that group with his ceaseless hustle and experience in the 3-4, which the Ravens used last season.
''That year will stand him in good stead here,'' LeBeau said.
Sutter also excels on special teams, having led the Ravens/Browns with 72 tackles on kick coverage units since 1993.
''I'm here to do anything they want me to do,'' said Sutter
(6-foot-3, 235 pounds). ''I hope I get a shot to start, but I've made a living on special teams for several years. I'm always excited to play.''
Notes
Safety Rondell Jones, another unrestricted free agent who has spent his four NFL seasons with Denver, visited the Bengals' facilities along with Sutter. ''I think I can go somewhere else and get a better opportunity,'' said Jones, who was stuck behind Steve Atwater, Tyrone Braxton and formerly Dennis Smith with the Broncos. Baltimore and Indianapolis are among the other teams to express interest in Jones Š
Lineman Kevin Sargent is expected to officially rejoin the Bengals today after he takes a mandatory physical examination. Sargent, who missed all of last season with a neck injury, agreed to a deal Feb. 17 but disputed it and even visited the Kansas City Chiefs. His agent has spent recent weeks trying to solve the differences with Bengals management Š
Today, the Bengals are expected to unveil their new uniforms, complete with a tiger logo on the jersey sleeves or shoulders.
Free agency stories
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HARRIS, COLLINS LOOK ELSEWHERE March 6, 1997
MAP FAVORS BENGALS WITH FREE AGENTS March 5, 1997
3 FREE AGENTS VISIT TODAY March 4, 1997
CB HARRIS SETS FREE-AGENT VISIT Feb. 27, 1997
BENGALS MAKING HEADWAY WITH FREE AGENTS Feb. 25, 1997
BENGALS HAVE CAP ROOM FOR FREE AGENTS Feb. 15, 1997
BENGALS WON'T CHASE TOP FREE AGENTS Feb. 14, 1997
