Mark Curnutte started covering the Bengals and the NFL for The Enquirer in 2000. He previously wrote about urban affairs and other social issues for the Enquirer. He won the prestigious 1994 Unity Award from Lincoln University (Missouri) for "A Polite Silence," a seven-day series about race relations in Greater Cincinnati. He also has worked as an assistant features editor and features writer at The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. Curnutte is second vice president and a three-year board member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA). He is a 1984 Miami University graduate.
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Agent: Bengals get DT Adams for 3 years
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Bengals will sign defensive tackle to a three-year contract today, agent Angelo Wright confirmed overnight to the Enquirer. "We're pretty close right now," said Wright, who was headed to Los Angeles for an NFL Players Association meeting. "Three years is correct." The 335-pound Adams played for Bengals coach Marvin Lewis when Lewis coordinator the Super Bowl-winning Ravens’ defense. Adams should help strengthen the Bengals’ run defense, which had received a boost earlier in free agency when the club signed sure-tackling safety Dexter Jackson. Adams will team with returning starters John Thornton and Brian Robinson, as well as Shaun Smith, in the team’s tackle rotation. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Bengals in hunt for visiting QB Harrington
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer ORLANDO, Fla. – Joey Harrington is in Cincinnati this afternoon, and the Bengals have moved to the front of the sweepstakes line to acquire the Lions quarterback. Bengals president Mike Brown this afternoon confirmed Harrington’s visit. Brown, other team executives and coach Marvin Lewis have been in Orlando all week for the league’s annual meeting. Harrington officially remains under contract with Detroit but was given permission to seek a trade. He was in Miami on Tuesday night, but the Dolphins balked at trading for the four-year veteran. Agent David Dunn represents both Harrington and Bengals starter Carson Palmer, who is rehabbing after reconstructive knee surgery. "Yes," Brown said, "there is concern about Carson’s health." Palmer's rehab is going well, according to all sources close to the situation. But there remains concern, while it is hoped that Palmer will be ready for the opener Sept. 10, that the Bengals could be forced to employ another starting quarterback for several games. "We first have to determine if we are a team (Harrington) would like to play for," Brown told the Enquirer. "Then we would have to work out a (trade) with Detroit." Harrington is due to receive a $4 million roster bonus June 15 and a $4.45 million salary in 2006. If Harrington is unwilling to renegotiate his contract, the Lions will cut him to avoid paying the hefty bonus. Harrington was the third overall pick in the 2002 draft. "There are some questions that have to be answered," Brown said in reference to Harrington, who is visiting with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese today. "Maybe we will have those answers by the time we get back." Harrington could be Bengals’ property if they agree to trade a second-day draft pick (Rounds 4-7, as low as a sixth). Harrington’s salary demand is believed to be $3 million for a one-year contract. In Detroit, former Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna and Josh McCown will battle for the starting role. Kansas City and Seattle are also interested in possibly trading for Harrington, who has started 55 of his 58 NFL games. He has 60 touchdowns and 62 interceptions and has thrown for more than 10,000 yards. He started 11 of 12 games last season for the Lions, throwing for 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and more than 2,000 yards. Harrington became embroiled in a quarterback controversy in Detroit with Jeff Garcia. Garcia started against the Bengals in December and was pulled in favor of Harrington, who was sharp, completing 6 of 7 passes for 77 yards and one touchdown. The Bengals have focused on former Rams backup Jamie Martin and Anthony Wright, formerly of the Ravens, and had visited with Brian Griese – who signed with Chicago. The Bengals have three quarterbacks under contract: Palmer, Doug Johnson and Craig Krenzel. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Bengals open preseason vs. Redskins
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer ORLANDO, Fla. – The Bengals will open the preseason with a national televised game Aug. 13 – a Sunday afternoon – at home against Washington. The game will be broadcast live on NBC, a slot worth about an extra $500,000 for the Bengals. They will have a second national TV game in the preseason, Monday night, Aug. 28, against Green Bay. It will be shown on ESPN. It will be worth another half million dollars for the Bengals. "It helps, especially being a small-market team," Bengals vice president Tory Blackburn said this morning during the league meeting. "It’s exciting for our fans because we don’t get to see NFC teams at home very often." The second and fourth preseason weekends will feature Bengals' road games at Buffalo and Indianapolis. "It's good for us. It’s been about 15 years since we had one," Bengals president Mike Brown said of the national preseason games. The regular season schedule will be announced toward the end of the first week in April. The Bengals are being rumored as opening the season Sept. 10 at Kansas City. "We know how tough it is to play there," Brown said of Arrowhead Stadium. "We didn't do too well the last time we were there." The Bengals lost 37-3 there Jan. 1 in the regular season finale. Starters were limited in playing time because the Bengals had already clinched a home playoff game. Owners will vote this morning and early this afternoon on proposed rules changes. Expected to pass are rules that will penalize low hits on quarterbacks, allow wide receivers to re-set to reduce the record number of false start penalties (852 in 2005), and limit end-zone celebrations by preventing players from using the ball as a prop or celebrating on the ground. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Lewis gains vote on competition committee
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer ORLANDO, Fla. – Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon was named as a voting member of the NFL’s competition committee. Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue promoted Lewis, who had been a non-voting member as the representative of the coaches’ subcommittee. Lewis replaces Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who stepped down. There are eight voting members on the committee, which studies various issues in the game – such as rules changes – and proposes them to ownership for possible adoption. Much of what the competition committee recommends is approved by owners. Proposed rules changes at the league’s annual meeting, which began today, deal with player safety – such as a likely proposed rule change to protect quarterbacks whose feet are on the ground while throwing the ball. The low hit on the Bengals’ Carson Palmer in the playoffs is a major part of the push to add protection for quarterbacks. "It helps us a lot," Bengals president Mike Brown said of Lewis’ position on the committee. The other members are co-chairs Rich McKay, Falcons general manager; and Jeff Fisher, Titans coach. The other five members are Texans general manager Charley Casserly, Giants chief operating officer John Mara, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, Colts general manager Bill Polian and Panthers president Mark Richardson. "He brings respect for the game, a fresh perspective," Fisher said of Lewis. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Report: Ex-Bengal LB commissioner candidate
The Philadelphia Daily News reported this morning that former Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams is a candidate to replace retiring NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Tagliabue will leave office in July, and finding a successor is one of the topics on the agenda for the annual league meetings next week in Orlando, Fla. Here is the link to the story out of Philadelphia about Williams: http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14174689.htm
LB Wilkins re-signs; no Arrington visit today
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer Oops, LaVar Arrington did not visit the Bengals today, but the Bengals did re-sign another linebacker, Marcus Wilkins. Wilkins signed a one-year contract and received a $40,000 signing bonus, said agent Mark Mersel. Wilkins tied for second in 2005 with 17 special teams tackles. He forced one fumble. "He wanted to come back. He's excited," Mersel said of Wilkins, a four-year veteran who was an unrestricted free agent. "He wants to force them to give him a bigger look on defense." The Bengals last week re-signed safety Anthony Mitchell, another UFA, who had led with 18 special teams tackles in 2005. As for Arrington, agent Kevin Poston said this afternoon that the former Redskins linebacker probably would visit Cincinnati. "I do anticipate that," Poston said. "But I can’t say if or when that would happen. If he's there, he's fooling me." Arrington's agents said miscommunication resulted in confirmation that the player arrived Wednesday night for a Thursday meeting with the Bengals. Arrington has visited the Dolphins and Giants and could be headed to see the Jaguars, the agent said. Arrington had the best season of his six-year NFL career in 2002, when Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was defensive coordinator with the Redskins. Arrington had 11 sacks. Also this afternoon, the Bengals confirmed the visit of former Ravens quarterback Anthony Wright. Reached by phone, Joel Segal, Wright's agent, said to call back Friday to determine how Wright’s visit went with the Bengals. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Agent: Bengals agree with WR Chatman
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer A day after they let Kevin Walter go, the Bengals agreed to terms on a two-year contract with another wide receiver. Antonio Chatman, who caught 49 passes for the Packers last season, including eight against the Bengals, reached agreement Sunday on a two-year deal with the Bengals, agent Mark Mersel said. The contract will be signed Monday. "There are lots of incentives, things like punt returns," said Mersel, who declined to reveal financial figures until the contract is signed. Chatman, who caught 68 passes in two seasons (1999 and 2000) with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, also has played two seasons in the Arena League. He has 71 NFL receptions. "He’s a true slot receiver, a solid No. 3 or No. 4," said Mersel, who relayed that Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is excited about the acquisition. "Bratkowski sees him as a new weapon," Mersel said. "They have those big receivers outside. He gives them a slot man who’s not afraid to go over the middle and make the tough catch." The Bengals announced Saturday that they were not exercising their option to match the offer sheet Walter signed as a restricted free agent with the Houston Texans. Walter signed for four years for $6.4 million. The Bengals on Sunday also confirmed the free agent visits by quarterback Brian Griese and defensive tackle Lional Dalton, a nine-year NFL veteran who played in all 32 possible games the past two seasons with the Chiefs. Dalton, who is 6-foot-1, 315 pounds, broke into the NFL in 1998 with the Baltimore Ravens and played for four seasons with Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, now Bengals coach. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Bengals decline to match on WR Walter
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Bengals have declined to match the offer sheet made by the Houston Texans to wide receiver Kevin Walter. Walter signed an offer sheet on a four-year, $6.4 million contract with the Texans on Sunday. The Bengals had seven days to decide whether to match the offer. Walter now becomes property of the Texans under terms of the offer sheet. Walter was the Bengals’ fourth wide receiver last season and had 19 receptions, one for a touchdown. He also was an excellent special teams player. He was a restricted free agent. The Bengals had tendered Walter as a "draft-status" player for $712,000. The Bengals now receive Houston's seventh-round draft pick as compensation for losing Walter. The Bengals now have eight picks in the draft, April 29-30, their original seven and the one received for Walter. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
RFA Walter signs offer sheet with Texans
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Bengals are on the verge of losing another solid receiver and special teams contributor. The Houston Texans today signed Bengals wide receiver Kevin Walter to an offer sheet as a restricted free agent. The offer is a lucrative one, and the Bengals will have an opportunity to match. The Bengals have yet to sign a free agent but today did confirm the visit of safety Lawyer Milloy. Though teams around the league made a flurry of free agent signings Saturday, the Bengals took their traditionally cautious approach to bringing in new veteran players. Their top choice at quarterback, Sage Rosenfels, didn’t get out of Houston and had to cancel his visit today to Cincinnati. The Houston Chronicle reported that Rosenfels signed a five-year contract for $6.4 million with a $2 million signing bonus. Rosenfels will back-up David Carr. Also, quarterback Jon Kitna, a Bengals unrestricted free agent, completed a visit to Detroit and was expected to arrive in New York tonight to begin talks with the Jets. Word out of New York is the Jets will end up with either Kitna or Washington’s Patrick Ramsey, who is on the trading block. According to agents, safeties Will Demps and Dexter Jackson are visiting today with the Bengals, who met Saturday night and today with Milloy. The Bengals already have lost unrestricted free agent Matt Schobel. The four-year veteran tight end agreed to terms on a five-year contract Saturday with the Eagles. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Bengals lose out on QB Rosenfels
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer Though teams around the league made a flurry of free agent signings Saturday, the Bengals took their traditionally cautious approach to bringing in new veteran players. Their top choice at quarterback, Sage Rosenfels, didn’t get out of Houston and had to cancel his visit today to Cincinnati. The Houston Chronicle reported that Rosenfels signed a five-year contract for $6.4 million with a $2 million signing bonus. Rosenfels will back-up David Carr. The Texans also entertained Bengals restricted free agent wide receiver Kevin Walter and are hoping to steal the quality receiver and excellent special teams player out from beneath the Bengals. The Bengals would have the right to match any offer sheet that Walter might sign with the Texans. Also, quarterback Jon Kitna, a Bengals unrestricted free agent, completed a visit to Detroit and was expected to arrive in New York tonight to begin talks with the Jets. Word out of New York is the Jets will end up with either Kitna or Washington’s Patrick Ramsey, who is on the trading block. According to agents, safeties Will Demps and Dexter Jackson are visiting today with the Bengals, who met Saturday night and today with Bills safety Lawyer Milloy. Milloy’s agent said the 10-year safety was headed next to Atlanta. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Kitna in Detroit talking to Lions
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Detroit Lions confirmed late this afternoon that quarterback Jon Kitna is in Detroit talking with team executives about a free agent contract. Kitna also is expected to visit with the New York Jets. Kitna has been with the Bengals since the 2001 season. He spent the last two as backup to Carson Palmer. Kitna as has said he wants one more opportunity to start in the NFL. The Lions also are expected to enterain Josh McCown. The odd element about the Lions' situation is the team appears to be committed to Joey Harrington. Lions quarterback Jeff Garcia, who won the job from Harrington in 2005, is expected to sign with the Eagles. The Bengals appear poised to move on from Kitna. Dolphins quarterback Sage Rosenfels is scheduled to visit Sunday, his agent, Rich Smith, said today. Also, a source close to Will Demps said the Baltimore Ravens free agent safety will visit the Bengals on Sunday and then travel to New York to meet with the Giants on Monday.
Safeties on Bengals' free agency wish list
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Bengals are serious about trying to upgrade the safety position. Since 3:15 p.m. today, agents for former Buffalo safety Lawyer Milloy and former Carolina safety Marlon McCree confirmed that their clients will be visiting Cincinnati. Carl Poston, Milloy's agent, said Milloy would arrive tonight (Saturday) in Cincinnati before heading to Atlanta for a second free agent visit. A spokesman in the office of Gary Uberstine, agent for McCree, said McCree is in San Diego visiting the Chargers and that, if McCree doesn't sign quickly in San Diego, he would be headed to Cincinnati. The Giants and Bills also are interested in McCree, the spokesman said. The NFL Network is reporting that former Ravens safety Will Demps will be visiting the Bengals, as well, this afternoon. Demps suffered a partial tear of his left anterior cruciate ligament but is expected to be ready to play by the end of May. Demps played four seasons in Baltimore and just missed crossing paths with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, former Ravens defensive coordinator. Batlimore has little interest in trying to re-sign Demps. Earlier, a source in Tampa, Fla., told the Enquirer that Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson is headed to Cincinnati for a visit. The Bucs are not interested in retaining Jackson. Also, agent Rick Smith confirmed that Dolphins UFA quarterback Sage Rosenfels will arrive Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati for a visit with the Bengals and will leave Monday. Updating earlier reports, the Bengals, who had an interest in Ravens defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu, have lost out. He signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers that will pay him $8 million up front. The Ravens also lost another starting defensive lineman, Anthony Weaver, who signed a deal with the Houston Texans that guarantees him $13 million.
Schobel to sign with Eagles
By Mark Curnutte Enquirer staff writer The Bengals have lost their first unrestricted free agent. Tight end Matt Schobel will sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, a source told the Enquirer this afternoon. Schobel played four seasons with the Bengals. He had 18 receptions for 193 yards and one touchdown in 2005 and played, at times, as a blocking H-back in shot-gun passing formations. Schobel had 90 receptions, nine for touchdowns, in four seasons in Cincinnati. Terms of the new deal with the Eagles were not yet available. E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
Bengals start slowly in free agency
The Bengals appear to have arranged their first two visits by free agent players. Miami Dolphins backup Sage Rosenfels will likely visit Cincinnati and the Jets after completing a visit today to Houston to meet with the Texans, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Messages into Rick Smith, Rosenfels' agent were not returned this morning, and a receptionist in Smith's Chicago office said Smith was traveling today. Tampa Bay safety Dexter Jackson also is headed to Cincinnati for a visit, according to a source in Tampa, Fla., where Jackson has played six of his seven NFL seasons for the Buccaneers. He is the former Super Bowl XXXVII MVP. Jackson intercepted two passes for the Bucs in their victory against the Raiders. Tampa Bay is not interested in re-signing Jackson, who missed time last season with injuries and lost his starting job to former Ohio State star Will Allen. Jackson will be 29 in July. The Bengals also are believed to be interested in Ravens UFA defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who is 6-feet-5, 350 pounds. But Kemoeatu is en route to Carolina to meet with the Panthers, who appear to be in the driver's seat in efforts to sign the tackle. Ravens officials, who are most interested in re-signing their own players, also worry that Arizona will make a run at Kemoeatu, who has said he wants to play in a warm climate. Meanwhile, though the Bengals expect to have little activity this weekend, division rival Cleveland is off to a quick start in free agency. The Browns reportedly have reached agreements on free agency contracts with center LeCharles Bentley (Saints) and offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer (Falcons) and are talking with representatives for former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott. The Browns also are one of the teams in the hunt for former Patriots receiver David Givens. The free agent market opened at 12:01 this morning with 351 unrestricted free agents available league-wide. The Bengals have 12 UFAs. Quarterback Jon Kitna is headed to New York to visit with the Jets and is expected to continue on to Detroit. Tight end Matt Schobel has drawn interest from the Houston Texans and St. Louis Rams.
Offseason summary; free agency begins
SUMMARY Because of the uncertainty about when starting quarterback Carson Palmer can return, the status of UFA backup Jon Kitna became more important. The Bengals wanted to re-sign Kitna, but now that he has reached the offseason without a contract, he is intent on testing the market and apparently has visits planned to the Jets and Lions. The most likely UFA returnees figure to be special teams linebackers Marcus Wilkins and Hannibal Navies. The team has some important RFAs in fullback Jeremi Johnson and wide receiver Kevin Walter, who will be brought back. The Bengals will draft No. 24 overall in the first round. NEEDS 1. Safety: In the secondary, the Bengals will get a boost with the return of starting third-year free safety Madieu Williams, pound for pound the best defensive player on the roster. He missed most of 2005 with a shoulder injury that required surgery. Kim Herring also should be back from a season-ending injury but is not getting any younger and could be a salary-cap casualty. There are quality safeties available in the draft and in free agency. The Bengals suffered against both the run and pass because of poor safety play through the 2005 season. 2. Defensive tackle: The draft also could yield defensive tackles who could add size to the Bengals’ struggling run defense. Early-entry junior Haloti Ngata of Oregon figures to be off the board by the time the Bengals pick, but Michigan’s 340-pound Gabe Watson could be available. The Bengals are improving at tackle but still lack a space eater who can occupy two blockers at the point of attack. 3. Tight end: Two of the Bengals' three tight ends are unrestricted free agents, and the returns of Matt Schobel and Tony Stewart are unlikely. Only starter Reggie Kelly would remain. The top tight end prospects are Maryland's Vernon Davis (51 receptions and a good runner after the catch) and UCLA's Mercedes Lewis (58 catches and 2005 winner of the John Mackey award as top collegiate tight end). Kelly is an oustanding blocker and performed well as the H-back in the no-huddle offense. He's not much of a receiving threat; he averaged just 6 yards on 15 receptions. FRANCHISE PLAYER: None. TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS -- CB Rashad Bauman is a solid special teams contributor, a good open-field tackler on defense but expendable. -- QB Jon Kitna's value to the Bengals would have appeared to increase with the uncertaintly surrounding Carson Palmer's health status, but Kitna seems determined to test test the market for a chance to start. The Jets and Detroit are strongly interested in Kitna. -- FB Nick Luchey might want to go to another team where he has a chance to be active and play. Jeremi Johnson is a perfect fit as Bengals starting fullback. -- SS Anthony Mitchell is a smart veteran who is good in kick coverage, but he wasn't good enough to play in front of starter Ifeanyi Ohalete, who played poorly. -- LB Hannibal Navies was a first-year Bengal and played well on special teams and saw limited action on defense. He will be offered a deal to return. -- SS Ifeanyi Ohalete started strong as preseason pickup but displayed poor tackling ability against run. -- DL Carl Powell might be back, but he is injury-prone and the development of younger players will determine whether he's asked back. -- TE Matt Schobel will attract interest from teams that like to throw more to tight ends; he is unlikely to return. -- TE Tony Stewart is ultra-professional with a strong work ethic. He's adequate on special teams, but the Bengals need to upgrade at tight end. -- RB Kenny Watson is a strong special teams player, but his role as third-down back was won by former first-round pick Chris Perry. Like Luchey, Watson might want another chance with another team. -- LB Nate Webster had a serious knee injury in 2004 that might have ended his career, but he returned to play in one game in 2005. Don't look for a Bengals return, in spite of the respect he earned within the organization. -- LB Marcus Wilkins is way too valubale on special teams to let get away. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (All were tendered at "draft-status" one-year deals of $712,000) -- FB Jeremi Johnson fills important role as blocker and occasional receiver perfectly in the offense. -- OL Scott Kooistra is being groomed for larger role and can play guard and tackle. -- WR Kevin Walter is excellent on special teams and makes most of chances in offense; the Houston Texans might make a run at stealing him away. -- WR Kelley Washington will likely receive a tender from the Bengals in the hopes of getting draft-pick compensation. He showed signs of talent but never developed in the offense. Does not fit well in locker room. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS -- P Kyle Larson will be tendered and brought back for a third season with the Bengals. He is an excellent holder for Pro Bowl kicker Shayne Graham, and Larson's consistency as a punter is improving. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: -- P Kunter Larson/1 yr, $385,000 PLAYERS ACQUIRED -- QB Doug Johnson, street free agent, terms not available/ 1 yr. -- WR P.K. Sam, street free agent, terms not available/2 yrs. -- LB Rashad Jeanty, street free agent, terms not available/2 yrs. PLAYERS LOST: DL Duane Clemons, contract terminated, $1.16 million salary cap savings
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