By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Clemons' NFL profile

In another show of a desire to strengthen their defense this offseason, the Bengals added their third free agent defensive lineman on Wednesday.

Defensive end Duane Clemons, released by Kansas City in late February, signed a two-year contract worth nearly $2.18 million.

"What appealed to us when we first started courting him was his ability to play either end," Bengals defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "He's a big, stout guy and we wanted to beef up left end. He gives us that from a run and pass standpoint."

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Clemons has recorded 35 sacks in seven seasons with the Vikings and Chiefs. His contract includes a $622,500 signing bonus and pays him a base salary of $655,000 this season and $900,000 in 2004.

Those salary figures could rise if Clemons, who turns 29 later this month, reaches certain performance-based incentives.

"We elected to sign with the Bengals because they seemed to be the best overall fit in terms of opportunity, coaches and scheme," said Drew Rosenhaus, who is Clemons' agent.

A first-round pick by the Vikings in 1996, Clemons is the fifth overall defensive free agent signed by the Bengals this offseason.

He joins defensive end Carl Powell, tackle John Thornton, cornerback Tory James and linebacker Kevin Hardy, who is now second on the team behind Clemons with 30.5 career sacks.

"It's going to make us a better defensive unit," Frazier said. "We've added some key people in key roles, hit some different areas that are critical to success on defense and added some quality leadership."

Released by the Chiefs after starting 43 games the past three seasons, Clemons has recorded seven or more sacks in four seasons but only two last year.

Powell worked as the first-string left defensive end during the team's two minicamps. Justin Smith lined up at right end.

"Everybody has been talking about Marvin Lewis and the job he's doing. It's all accurate," Rosenhaus said. "He's a guy players want to play for. He's going to be successful.

"When we talked about Cincinnati, we talked about a team that should be much improved."

E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com

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