Agent: LB Hartwell visiting Cincinnati on Thursday

Linebacker Ed Hartwell, who started eight games at middle linebacker for Atlanta last season, will visit the Bengals on Thursday and Friday, agent Harold Lewis said tonight.

Hartwell was a fourth-round draft pick out of Western Illinois in 2001 by Baltimore. The Ravens defensive coordinator was Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

"Marvin is one of his favorites," Harold Lewis said. "Ed's not necessarily looking for the most money. He's looking for the best fit."

Hartwell signed a $27 million free agent contract with the Falcons before the 2005 season but injured his Achilles tendon after five games. He had knee cleanout surgery on both knees the week before the 2006 season opened.

"He is completely healthy now," Harold Lewis said.

Hartwell started 46 of 48 games for the Ravens from 2002 through 2004 and established himself, at 250 pounds, as a top run-stopped in the NFL.

The Falcons released Hartwell last month.

The Bengals are shopping for veteran defensive help. They have visited this week with free agent defensive tackles Michael Myers (Denver) and Ian Scott (Chicago).