With runnning back Cedric Benson, SAM linebacker Manny Lawson and WILL linebacker Brandon Johnson on campus at Georgetown College, the Benagls officially announced their signings. They'll take the field for the first time at Thursday night's practice, but it's unknown how much work they'll get.
The Bengals closed in on the deal with Johnson on Tuesday night, giving them back their special teams captain and most productive linebacker during the division sweep of 2009. He fought through some injuries last season and now returns to back up the backer corps and gives the position ballast in this season of transition. Johnson has been most valuable lining up in different spots on passing downs.
"We're happy to get three more veteran players under contract," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in a news release. "The makeover of our football team is nearly complete. We've covered a lot of ground and will continue to look to add some additional veteran players."
The Bengals still want to re-sign defensive lineman Jon Fanene and they've had casual talks with Bills safety Donte Whitner but nothing that would get a deal done. They seem prepared to keep monitoring the situation if there's a change.
