DT Adams in town, yet to sign contract

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Sam Adams, wearing a designer sweat suit, walked through the Bengals locker room this morning at Paul Brown Stadium but was off-limits to reporters.

Adams had yet to sign his contract, and the Bengals wouldn’t let him speak to the media.

He did already have a locker. A placard reading “Adams 95” hung above one stall.
He will wear No. 95.

Adams will sign his three-year contract later today; the first year is worth almost $4 million if he reaches all incentive clauses.

He arrived with the goal of participating in the Bengals’ offseason strength and conditioning program, which started today.

Defensive end Justin Smith said he and his teammates on the line welcome Adams' arrival.
"I’ve talked to (John Thornton) and (Bryan Robinson)," Smith said of the defensive tackles. "Everybody's happy he's here. He's a great player. He's a winner. He’ll help us win."

Adams is expected to play primarily against the run, a weakness for the Bengals even after three years under defensive guru Marvin Lewis. The signing of former Tampa Bay safety Dexter Jackson and the return of healthy free safety Madieu Williams also should help significantly.
Also today, restricted free agent offensive lineman Scott Kooistra signed his one-year tender and started working out. He will get $712,000 and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after next season, his fourth in the NFL.

Quarterbacks Doug Johnson and Craig Krenzel, the team's only healthy passers – Carson Palmer continues to rehab his surgically-repaired left knee – both participated in workouts today. Johnson said he had visited Cincinnati earlier in the offseason and met with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. Johnson arrived Sunday.

Johnson and Krenzel both said their goal was to be ready to start on opening day if Palmer were unable to play.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com