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