Washington: Bengals first-class organization

Wide receiver Kelley Washington, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Bengals, was introduced today to media that cover the New England Patriots. He signed a five-year deal as an unrestricted free agent. The Bengals made no attempt to re-sign him.

Washtington was asked to describe his time in Cincinnati and whether, under ideal circumstances, would he have liked to stay with the Bengals?

Washington: "I had a great time in Cincinnati. I really learned a lot and I believe that the organization gave me a great opportunity to help my career. It just comes to a point in time in someone's career where if there is a better opportunity out there, you have to move on. That's kind of where I was at, becoming a free agent, and I feel like the New England Patriots are the best team out there for me.

"I'm going to go in and work hard. I believe the Cincinnati Bengals are first-class organization, [they have] a great coach in Marvin Lewis and definitely great players. I learned a lot. I did a lot there in Cincinnati and I'm ready to take my skills and my professionalism to New England."