Corey Dillon's agent, Leigh Steinberg, has begun talks with the Bengals. What Steinberg and Dillon, the free agent running back, want to hear next is the team's long-range plan to turn things around.

        “The No.1 topic Corey is interested in is the future plans of the Bengals,” Steinberg said. “What template are they going with in respect to winning?”

        That was not the topic Steinberg discussed with Ka tie Blackburn, the Bengals' executive vice president, when they spoke Monday.

        “I wanted to clarify that their offer was a tender offer,” Steinberg said. “It is.”

        The tender offer means the Bengals will give Dillon a one-year deal for $3.66 million, the average salary of the 10 highest-paid running backs.

        Steinberg said Blackburn said she was willing to spell out the franchise's plans.

        “At some point, they're willing to,” Steinberg said. “We would be happy to do it before free agency.”

        Dillon cannot talk with other teams until March 2. As a transition player, he is free to negotiate with other teams, but the Bengals can match any offer.

        Blackburn was out of town Tuesday. Bengals president Mike Brown declined comment, instead referring questions to team spokesman Jack Brennan.

        “We're ready for full and open negotiations when they are,” Brennan said.

        Dillon rejected a seven-year, $60 million offer, which included a $12 million signing bonus, in mid-January. He fired his agents shortly after that and hired Steinberg.

        “The money is going to be there with the Bengals or another team,” Steinberg said. “Since Corey's already with the squad, he'd prefer to stay. He believes there's talent. He wants to know what the plan and philosophy are.”

        Steinberg said the Bengals' position with the salary cap — they are further under it than any other NFL club — may help them.

        “History will show that teams can turn it around rapidly,” Steinberg said. “You had four different teams in the conference championship games this year than you did the year before. Given the room they have with the cap, the tag "perennial loser' doesn't have to apply in the future.”

Dillon wants to hear Bengals' plan for turnaround Agent: Akili realizes he made mistake

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