Bengals president Mike Brown would like to sign running back Corey Dillon to remove uncertainty from the team's other free agent pursuits.

        The Bengals have the most money to spend on free agents and will entertain their 17th free agent today, former Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland, but have signed only two - defensive tackle Tony Williams and quarterback Jon Kitna.

        Part of the reason for the slow trigger is Dillon, whom Brown says the Bengals will sign by matching any offer that isn't outlandish from another team. The Bengals set aside part of the $14.8 million they had under the NFL salary cap to re-sign Dillon.

        “It would be better to do it as soon as possible,” Brown said Wednesday. “We'd like to know so we can go after free agents.”

        Dillon became an unrestricted free agent March 2, but the Bengals, by tendering him a $3.67 million offer, have the right to match any other team's offer sheet.

        “As it is now, we're estimating what we'll have left,” Brown said. “We're conscious of reserving sufficient cap room to mount a run at Corey.”

        Dillon, who has four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, capped by last year's 1,435, is the best running back in free agency. But he has yet to visit another team, and word around the NFL is Brown's promise to match any offer for Dillon has scared other teams away.

        In December, Dillon turned down $12 million to sign a $60 million, eight-year contract with the Bengals.

        Dillon called a Bengals employee Wednesday so his comments would be posted on the company Web site. He said he is ready to negotiate with the Bengals if they show him their plans to get to the playoffs and Super Bowl. Dillon said winning is more important than money. The team is 18-46 in his four seasons.

        Brown has yet to hear from Dillon or his agent, Leigh Steinberg. Calls to Steinberg and Dillon were not returned.

        “He's always welcome to come in and meet,” Brown said. “We'd like to deal with him.”

Dillon limbo slows Bengals' moves Bengals would juggle defense for Kirkland

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