By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals are nearing a contract with first-round draft pick Chris Perry.

The Enquirer learned Sunday night that the Bengals have made great progress in talks this weekend with the former Michigan running back.

A source told the Enquirer that the Bengals and agent Eugene Parkers were fine-tuning language on a five-year contract that would pay Perry $7 million.

The contract also contains $3 million in backside incentive and escalator clauses that could push its total value to $10 million.

No information was immediately available on a signing bonus.

Perry, the Bengals' first-round pick and 26th overall in the April draft, has missed the first nine days and 11 practices of the Bengals' training camp. He also missed the intrasqaud scrimmage and mock game, which were held over the weekend.

Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said Sunday night the club had no comment on Perry.

Perry was believed to be in Cincinnati or Georgetown, Ky., undergoing a physical exam late Sunday.

He would be the last of the team's 11 draft picks to sign.

Perry is expected to be the top backup to starter Rudi Johnson at tailback. Kenny Watson has worked as the Bengals' No. 2 back in Perry's absence, and Watson rushed for 51 yards in the scrimmage.

Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson said at the draft that Perry, who is 6-feet, 224 pounds, would be the club's most versatile running back since James Brooks.

Perry, 22, gained a Michigan-record 2,041 yards from scrimmage as a senior, 1,674 rushing and 367 receiving. He scored 20 touchdowns.

---

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Return to Bengals front page...