By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jason Gildon left Cincinnati after a two-day visit that was described as positive for both sides.

Gildon has visited Green Bay, Buffalo and the Bengals and was expected to head next to Chicago.

Pittsburgh Steelers defender Jason Gildon (92) terrorized Bengals quarterback Akili Smith during this 2000 game in Cincinnati. (AP/file photo)

Contract negotiations were said to have begun between the team and Gildon agent Peter Schaffer. The Bengals moved to the top of Gildon's list because of his relationship with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. Lewis was Gildon's linebackers coach at Pittsburgh in 1994-95.

If Gildon signs, he will be the third free agent linebacker brought in by Lewis in two seasons, joining Kevin Hardy and Nate Webster. The Bengals also drafted three linebackers in the past two years - Khalid Abdullah (fifth round, 2003) and Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson (third, 2004).

Lewis wants to improve the pass rush. Hardy has been working as a left end in a pass-down package. Gildon, who has 77 career sacks in 10 seasons, could assume that role.

PACKED UP: Several players left equipment bags packed - as instructed - for travel in July to the team's training-camp site at Georgetown College.

Attendance at the final on-field coaching session Friday was limited to mostly younger players. Some veterans were excused and had left after practice Thursday.

WAIVED: The club waived tight end Jonathan Pritchett, a rookie college free agent from Houston.

UPDATE: The FieldTurf at Paul Brown Stadium is complete except for the end zones. Crew have installed yard-line numbers, and hash marks on the west side of the field were being installed Friday.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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