By CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Offensive lineman Kevin Sargent signed a two-year contract with the Bengals on Wednesday, ending a mild controversy surrounding his playing status.

Sargent agreed to a deal on Feb. 17 that called for a one-year contract with an option for an additional season, which would have been activated if he had participated in a certain percentage of plays in 1997.

But he and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, balked at the language of the contract. Sargent, who had been an unrestricted free agent, even visited the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 20, though his first choice was to remain a Bengal. From that point, Bartelstein sought to repair his client's Cincinnati ties.

''It's a huge relief,'' Sargent said after passing a mandatory physical examination.

Sargent, who missed the entire 1996 season with a neck injury, said he hopes to receive official clearance to play in May. ''Every doctor I've seen says I'm right on track,'' he said.

Sargent, 27, said the latest he could be cleared is July, which still would enable him to report to training camp on time.

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