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        The Bengals continued to work on improving their defensive front by signing free agent defensive end Bernard Whittington Thursday. Cincinnati's 26 sacks were the fewest in the AFC last season.

        Whittington played mostly end in his seven seasons with the Colts but could get some time at tackle, according to the Bengals. Whittington played at Indiana University before signing with the Colts as a free agent. Since then, the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder has played in 105 games with 78 starts.

        “He's a proven player and he'll bring some good veteran experience,” vice president of player personnel Paul H. Brown said.

        Whittington made 48 tackles last season. His highest total was 85 in 1996, when he also had three sacks.

        Outside linebacker Riall Johnson, the Bengals' fifth-round draft choice, signed a three-year contract Wednesday.

        The club's top draft selection, defensive end Justin Smith, has not reached a deal but has said he wasn't worried about the money and was committed to being in training camp.

        “I'm going to be in camp,” Smith previously told the Enquirer. “That won't be a problem. ... I play football. I'm just ready to get into uniform and get to work.”

        Said Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn: “It's not that day yet. We'll know when we get there.”

        The Bengals have signed two of their seven draft picks. Blackburn is optimistic about having all the team's rookies in training camp.

        “I'd say things are fairly typical,” she said. “We've started having some conversations. I'd expect things to get a little more intense in the next week or so.”

        The Bengals tried to sign free agent defensive lineman Chidi Ahanotu, but Ahanotu canceled a scheduled physical with the Bengals.

        “He has some personal issues he's trying to re solve,” Bengals scout Duke Tobin said. “As of right now, him coming here is not a fit. You can't rule out anything in the future.”

        Three players were released by the Bengals Thursday: tight end Jason Gavadza, linebacker Duke Pettijohn and wide receiver Chris Rosier.

Bengals add Whittington to defensive front

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