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.