Report: Bucs Reach Agreement With DE Michael Johnson A Five-Year Deal

Update:

ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports that Michael Johnson has reached an agreement with the Buccaneers on a five-year, $43.75 million contract that includes $24 million guaranteed.

Johnson, 27, appeared in 15 games for the Bengals last year and totaled 56 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 4 defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.

We have Johnson listed as the No. 2 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Buccaneers are in “serious discussions” with free-agent DE Michael Johnson.

• Jason La Canfora reports that “when the Michael Johnson signing with the Buccaneers becomes official,” he is expected to receive $8.5 million per and “around” $24 million guaranteed.
• Alex Marvez reports that there is an “extremely strong possibility” that the Bucs will sign Johnson.

The recent buzz surround the Bucs and Johnson makes it seem like a deal could be in place later today.

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Jason La Canfora reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the “frontrunners” for free agent DE Michael Johnson.

• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune previously reported that the Buccaneers and new HC Lovie Smith were making a “hard push” to sign Johnson.

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Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings are “definitely” out of the running for free agent DE Michael Johnson now that they have locked up Everson Griffen.

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Josina Anderson reports that that “it is unlikely” that free agent DE Michael Johnson will be re-signing with the Bengals in the coming days.

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Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Buccaneers and new HC Lovie Smith are making a “hard push” to sign Bengals DE Michael Johnson.

• Biggs adds that Smith’s first order of busy in Tampa Bay is to add a defensive end.
• Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago reports that the Bears also reached out to Johnson on Saturday.
• Ian Rapoport adds that the Bengals are still in the mix for Johnson as well.

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Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reports that the Vikings have expressed interest in Bengals’ free agent DE Michael Johnson.

• Goessling adds that sources have informed him that Johnson is “not going back to Cincy.”
• According to Goessling, seven teams have already reached out to Johnson already.