Tuesday, March 9, 2004
Bengals' free-agent focus turns offensive
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
After concentrating on defense at the start of free agency, the Bengals made moves on offense Monday.
The team announced the re-signing of center Rich Braham to a one-year contract and confirmed the visit of an intriguing wide receiver, former sprinter Patrick Johnson.
Johnson, 5 feet 10, 196 pounds, most recently of the Washington Redskins, could provide another speed threat the Bengals want for strong-armed starting quarterback Carson Palmer.
Johnson, 27, who once beat Olympian Carl Lewis in the 100-meter sprint, is another potential Bengal with previous ties to coach Marvin Lewis. The Ravens used their second-round pick on Johnson in 1998, when Lewis was their defensive coordinator.
In six NFL seasons, the first four in Baltimore, Johnson has 82 receptions for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns. Regarded as a player looking for the right fit, Johnson also has experience on punt and kickoff returns and is believed to be available for an affordable price.
He could challenge Kelley Washington for the third receiver slot behind Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick.
The Bengals gave Palmer immediate help inside by bringing back Braham, 33, a veteran with 115 NFL starts.
"Especially early on, I'm going to be leaning on him a lot," Palmer said. "He knows the offense as well as anybody. He'll make the calls ... basically telling the linemen who to block and who to watch for."
Also Monday, Linda Bodley, agent for Eagles free agent cornerback Troy Vincent, said she and the Bengals were in the initial stages of negotiations. Vincent was headed for a visit in Kansas City.
FREE AGENCY: Day 6
Bengals free agent action Monday:
BENGALS CONFIRMED: Re-signed center Rich Braham to one-year contract. Eagles guard Robbie Williams, Redskins wide receiver Patrick Johnson and Colts cornerback David Macklin visited.
ON THE RADAR: The Bengals reportedly have made an offer to retain safety Rogers Beckett.
GOING: Bengals free safety Mark Roman is talking contract with the Packers.
GONE: Former Bengals cornerback Artrell Hawkins visited the Steelers on Monday and was headed to Carolina if he didn't have a contract in Pittsburgh.
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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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