Offensive tackle John Jackson signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the Bengals, who made use of a new provision in the collective bargaining agreement that makes veterans less of a salary-cup burden.

        The provision allows a veteran earning the $750,000 minimum to earn more than his actual cap count, which is $450,000.

        Jackson's deal is worth $775,000, and the Bengals saved $325,000 against the salary cap. He received $25,000 up front.

        Some veterans had been squeezed out of jobs because of their minimum salary requirements in favor of less expensive rookies or younger players.

        The Bengals chose not to exercise their $800,000 option March1 on Jackson's two-year contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

        The 2002 season will be Jackson's third for his hometown Bengals and 15th in the NFL. He is a graduate of Woodward High School. Last season, he played in 11 games and became the 171st NFL player to play in 200 career games.

        HARD AT WORK: The Bengals are getting what they paid for when they hired former Ohio State coach John Cooper as a consultant/special assistant in their player personnel department.

        Cooper, 64, spent this past weekend in Indianapolis at the NFL's annual scouting combine, and Wednesday he was at Paul Brown Stadium picking up exercise shorts and T-shirts in the equipment room in preparation for his trip next week to Knoxville, Tenn., to scout players at Tennessee's pro workout day.

        TRAVEL TIME: The Bengals have tentatively scheduled another free agent visit for Friday. San Diego free agent tight end Freddie Jones is expected to be at Paul Brown Stadium, along with Miami free agent defensive end Kenny Mixon.

        Jones would be the third free agent tight end the Bengals have scheduled for a visit. Indianapolis free agent Ken Dilger is supposed to come to town Monday, followed by Washington free agent Stephen Alexander the next day.

        Email mcurnutte@enquirer.com
       

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