TJ Jackson
02-26-2008, 08:31 AM
from: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080226/SPT02/802260360/
Free agency looms for defense
Williams, Johnson still talking to Bengals; Smith likely to go
BY MARK CURNUTTE
More conversations with agents for Bengals free agents Madieu Williams and Landon Johnson have produced no deals.
"We had communication before the combine and said we would talk before free agency," Kenny Zuckerman, Williams' agent, said Monday after returning to his Los Angeles office from the combine in Indianapolis.
Free agency begins at midnight Friday morning.
Williams, a second-round pick in 2004, started all 13 games in which he played and had 73 tackles, including two sacks. He also intercepted two passes and broke up four.
Williams has said he is not against re-signing with the Bengals.
"There is a chance of that," Zuckerman said. "But it takes two (sides)."
If Williams were to hit the market, the Minnesota Vikings might make a strong bid to sign him. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier held that position with the Bengals when they drafted Williams.
Johnson, a linebacker, led the defense with 143 tackles in 2007, the third time in his four-year career he has had the most tackles on the team. He had one sack and broke up five passes.
Johnson and Williams each play special teams - a rarity for starters - and both had five tackles in the kicking game.
"There is nothing new to report, absolutely nothing new," Andy Simms, Johnson's agent, said.
Johnson has played in all 65 games since being drafted by the Bengals.
Asked if the linebacker were going to be available on the open market, Simms said, "There's a good likelihood. But you never know."
Are dollars the biggest problem?
"It always comes down to money," Simms said.
He and the Bengals talked during the combine at Indianapolis.
A third Bengals defensive starter eligible Friday for unrestricted free agent is defensive end Justin Smith. With 107 consecutive games started and a reputation for playing every down and playing hard, Smith figures to attract a lot of attention when he reaches the market Friday.
Already, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis and Minnesota are expected to inquire about Smith. Still, on Friday, in a combine interview with Cincinnati reporters, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said that Smith has told him he would give the Bengals a chance to re-sign him.
Smith's entry to the market was almost assured a week ago Monday when the Bengals announced they had used their binding franchise tag on offensive lineman Stacy Andrews.
Thursday is the deadline for teams to offer tenders to their restricted free agents, players with three years experience whose contracts are expired. The Bengals have three: quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, offensive tackle Adam Kieft and wide receiver Tab Perry. The fourth, defensive end Jonathan Fanene, reached agreement on a three-year contract last week to remain with the Bengals.
Free agency looms for defense
Williams, Johnson still talking to Bengals; Smith likely to go
BY MARK CURNUTTE
More conversations with agents for Bengals free agents Madieu Williams and Landon Johnson have produced no deals.
"We had communication before the combine and said we would talk before free agency," Kenny Zuckerman, Williams' agent, said Monday after returning to his Los Angeles office from the combine in Indianapolis.
Free agency begins at midnight Friday morning.
Williams, a second-round pick in 2004, started all 13 games in which he played and had 73 tackles, including two sacks. He also intercepted two passes and broke up four.
Williams has said he is not against re-signing with the Bengals.
"There is a chance of that," Zuckerman said. "But it takes two (sides)."
If Williams were to hit the market, the Minnesota Vikings might make a strong bid to sign him. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier held that position with the Bengals when they drafted Williams.
Johnson, a linebacker, led the defense with 143 tackles in 2007, the third time in his four-year career he has had the most tackles on the team. He had one sack and broke up five passes.
Johnson and Williams each play special teams - a rarity for starters - and both had five tackles in the kicking game.
"There is nothing new to report, absolutely nothing new," Andy Simms, Johnson's agent, said.
Johnson has played in all 65 games since being drafted by the Bengals.
Asked if the linebacker were going to be available on the open market, Simms said, "There's a good likelihood. But you never know."
Are dollars the biggest problem?
"It always comes down to money," Simms said.
He and the Bengals talked during the combine at Indianapolis.
A third Bengals defensive starter eligible Friday for unrestricted free agent is defensive end Justin Smith. With 107 consecutive games started and a reputation for playing every down and playing hard, Smith figures to attract a lot of attention when he reaches the market Friday.
Already, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis and Minnesota are expected to inquire about Smith. Still, on Friday, in a combine interview with Cincinnati reporters, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said that Smith has told him he would give the Bengals a chance to re-sign him.
Smith's entry to the market was almost assured a week ago Monday when the Bengals announced they had used their binding franchise tag on offensive lineman Stacy Andrews.
Thursday is the deadline for teams to offer tenders to their restricted free agents, players with three years experience whose contracts are expired. The Bengals have three: quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, offensive tackle Adam Kieft and wide receiver Tab Perry. The fourth, defensive end Jonathan Fanene, reached agreement on a three-year contract last week to remain with the Bengals.