The Bengals, who conceivably could draft University of Texas left tackle Leonard Davis with their No.1 pick this year, bought some security at the position Thursday by re-signing John Jackson.

        Jackson, 36, signed a two-year contract that should enable him to end his career in his hometown. The 13-year NFL veteran graduated from Woodward High School.

        Jackson signed with the Bengals as a free agent in July and became the starting left tackle after Rod Jones struggled. In Jackson's first Bengals start Oct.22, Corey Dillon rushed for an NFL-record 278 yards vs. Denver.

        Jackson injured his hamstring the following week and was hampered the rest of the season. The Bengals were 3-2 when he started.

        “Whether he's playing or not, he's good for us because he's such a true professional and hard worker,” Bengals scout Duke Tobin said. Tobin and Jackson's agent, Cincinnati-based Richard Katz, completed the deal Thursday.

        Jackson could make $900,000 next season in bonus, salary and incentives, Katz said. He could get $1.7 million over the life of the deal, should the team pick up his option for 2002.

        Jones, 27, is younger and under contract for two more years, but Jackson is the better pass protector. Davis is considered the best left tackle in the draft, and the Bengals pick fourth. If the Bengals don't take Davis, they nonetheless are expected to draft a left tackle.

        “That will all play itself out in camp,” Tobin said. “There's a great possibility there will be a young player in that mix.”

SULLIVAN: LeBeau wants varied, unpredictable offense Moon says Bratkowski is good fit for Akili Siragusa said 'See ya, suckers' to Bengals Bengals sign Jackson to 2-year contract

Boone at home as skipper
Reds ticket sales delayed
RedsFest today and Saturday
Deion 'wants to conquer baseball'
Are NCAAs slipping away from UC
Huggins makes Bearcats practice in plain clothes
'RPI Guy' likes Xavier, Kentucky for NCAA
DAUGHERTY: 4 Super Bowl losses and a winning perspective
McNally back in the bowl
Super Bowl list
Super Bowl notebook
No. 4 NKU women lose stunner
NKU men 76, Quincy 64
Boys basketball coverage
Girls basketball coverage
Kings' Fox looks to take game to next level
Schappel propels Loveland
Winton Woods wrestler is on a roll
Cincinnati high school results

• Return to Bengals front page...