Update:
The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that they have officially franchised DE Michael Johnson.
Johnson, 26, will receive $11.17 million guaranteed for the 2013 season.
We had him listed as the No. 23 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Update:
Jason La Canfora reports that the Bengals have informed DE Michael Johnson that he will be franchised.
————
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have “indicated” that they’re prepared to franchise impending free agent DE Michael Johnson in the coming days.
Bengals have indicated they will franchise DE Michael Johnson. No tags had been officially placed by start of today. Deadline is Monday
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 1, 2013
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms that the Bengals are “planning” on using the designation on Johnson.
Recent reports have indicated that the Bengals will allow OT Andre Smith to test the open market, if they’re unable to reach a long-term deal before March 13.
Johnson, 26, produced 11.5 sacks for the Bengals defense last season and is clearly someone that they would like to lock up long-term. If they do end up using the franchise tag on Johnson, they’re looking at a one-year tender worth $11.17 million.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
