Watson re-signs for three years

Bengals third-down back Kenny Watson said tonight that he has signed a three-year contract to stay with the team.

"It feels good. I am excited to be coming back," Watson told The Enquirer. "I think I made more plays (in 2006) than in 2004. I think I earned their respect and made a difference in bigger games."

Watson filled in for Chris Perry, who missed most of last season with ankle and knee injuries.

Watson also plays special teams and is one of the most selfless players on the roster.

And this release just in from the Bengals:

The Bengals today signed HB Kenny Watson to a three-year contract.

Watson (6-0, 218; Penn State) is a sixth-year NFL player in 2007. He has played for the Bengals for the last three seasons, and had become an unrestricted free agent.

Watson played in every game last season as the team’s “third-down” back. He averaged 5.5 yards per rush (25-138) with one touchdown, and he led the team’s running backs in receiving yards (213) while tying for the RBs lead in receptions (23).

He had key receiving gains in wins last season vs. Baltimore and vs. Oakland, and he also had 10 special teams tackles plus 10 kickoff returns for a 19.8-yard average.

He began his NFL career with Washington in 2001 and originally signed by the Bengals as a free agent on Sept. 30, 2003.