By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Zellner NFL Profile

Are the Bengals interested in free agent defensive end Peppi Zellner? Has the fifth-year veteran visited, or will he visit, Cincinnati?

Depends on whom you ask.

The former Cowboys defensive end was not in Cincinnati on Wednesday, contrary to some published reports in Cincinnati and Washington. The Redskins have made Zellner an offer.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Zellner did not visit Monday or Wednesday, two days that reports in Washington said Zellner would be here.

Zellner would figure to be the Bengals' fourth defensive end along with Justin Smith, Carl Powell and Reinard Wilson.

Frank Murtha, Zellner's agent, did not return a phone message, but Murtha did tell the Washington Times that Zellner was in Cincinnati on Wednesday.

SPENDING SPREE: The Bengals were $2.37 million under the NFL salary cap of $75.007 million May 2, according to national figures.

The number includes the $2.5 million cap hit the Bengals will take for the contract signed April 24 by first overall draft pick Carson Palmer.

ESPN'S ZONE: ESPN.com has ranked the Bengals No. 26 (in a tie with the Bears) in its offseason power ratings.

Behind the Bengals, in order, are the Cowboys, Jaguars, Lions, Texans and Cardinals.

The top five are the Buccaneers, Raiders, Eagles, Steelers and Titans.