Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Cincinnati Bengals sign Larry Johnson

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed a one-year contract Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Because NFL veteran contracts are guaranteed at the start of the regular season, Johnson will collect $4 million from the Chiefs and earn an additional $255,290 from the Bengals, the veteran minimum for the remainder of this season.

Money was not an issue for Johnson to sign with the Bengals. It was the opportunity to continue playing this season that convinced him to sign.

Johnson flew to Cincinnati on Monday to meet with the Bengals. Coach Marvin Lewis has told Johnson, who was released by the Chiefs, that he would be fourth on the team's depth chart at running back.

Starter Cedric Benson, who strained a hip muscle in Sunday's win in Pittsburgh that left the Bengals (7-2) in control of the AFC North, is expected to practice on a limited basis this week. Lewis said there's a chance he could play Sunday in Oakland.

The Chiefs released Johnson last Monday, the day he was due back from his second (two-week) suspension in the past 12 months. His last brush with controversy occurred two weeks ago, when he posted on his Twitter account a gay slur, insulted followers and questioned the competence of Chiefs coach Todd Haley.



Source: Larry Johnson expects to sign with Cincinnati BengalsAtletico duo sign on