Bonuses for Ndukwe, Jones

Two Bengals players have earned additional money for their performances in 2007.

Linebacker Dhani Jones earned an additional $207,000, and rookie safety Chinedum Ndukwe $191,000, in performance-based pay.

They are bonuses paid as part of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. The CBA creates an additional fund out of which players can be paid additional compensation based on a comparison of playing time to salary.

Jones signed as a street free agent in September and ended up playing in 14 games. He started nine games and was second on the defense with 111 total tackles. He had one sack and two forced fumble on defense. He also had seven total tackles in the kicking game and was voted by teammates as special teams captain.

Ndukwe, a seventh-round draft pick, played in 14 games with two starts. He had 35 total tackles on defense, including two sacks, and interecepted three passes and forced one fumble. He recovered one fumble and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown in Game 16 at Miami. He added nine tackles on special teams.

Jones re-signed, for three years, with the Bengals this month. He has the inside track to start at weak-side linebacker. Ndukwe and fellow 2007 draft pick, Marvin White, are being counted on -- if not to start -- to play significant snaps at safety in 2008. The Bengals are enthused by their potential and want to provide both White and Ndukwe ample opportunity to win starting jobs in their second seasons.