Updated: 8 p.m.
The Bengals broke off talks with Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson Monday afternoon and they moved into what proved to be successful negotiations with free-agent defensive end Antwan Odom.
According to published reports, the Bengals and New York had a deal in place for fourth- and fifth-round picks pending Cincinnati working out a new contract with Robertson based on money and a physical. Hadley Engelhard, Robertson's agent, said the two sides couldn't come to terms, although later in the day the Bengals took about a $6 milion salary cap hit on a five-year deal for Odom worth nearly $30 million with $11.5 million guaranteed.
It was another close call for the Bengals two days after the NFL voided their trade with the Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers because of a technicality in roster bonus language and left them still trying to shore up a front four bracing for games against six of the NFL's top 10 rushing teams from last season.
The defensive tackle market has been pretty much plucked clean with the Jaguars trading Marcus Stroud to the Bills, and the Packers and Lions shipping Corey Williams and Rogers, respectively, to the Browns.
The Bengals also confirmed a Monday visit by Marlon McCree, another Kentucky product and a free safety last with San Diego.
The agent for Colts tight end Ben Utecht said his client plans to visit the Bengals before heading to the Jets next week.
