By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals have found their next right guard, agreeing to terms on a three-year contract Friday with Eagles free agent Bobbie Williams.

Williams, 27, is expected to replace departed free agent Mike Goff as the Bengals' starter at right guard. Williams' contract is for $4 million. He received a $1 million signing bonus. The deal was snagged most of the afternoon by language concerning a $100,000 annual workout bonus.

"He's young, very strong, very physical," coach Marvin Lewis said of the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Williams. "He will compete and help us improve our front."

Williams will play beside center Rich Braham, whom the Bengals re-signed earlier this month.

Williams was a second-round pick from Arkansas in 2000 and started the last nine games of 2003 for the Eagles at right guard because of an injury to starter Jermane Mayberry. The Eagles finished ninth in rushing offense this past season.

As a pass blocker, Williams contributed last season to a Philadelphia performance of only 1.9 sacks allowed per game in the second half of the season. He has 33 career games played with 12starts.

Williams also started both of the Eagles' 2003 playoff games and has played in the last two NFC Championship games. In all, he has four games of postseason experience.

He chose the Bengals ahead of Buffalo, where he visited Wednesday and Thursday. Miami also had expressed interest.

The Bengals also save money in swapping Goff for Williams. Goff will earn an average of $2.6 million a season in San Diego. Williams' average is $1.3 million.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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