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