Michael Johnson Signs Bengals Franchise Tender

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson signed his franchise tender friday keeping him in a Bengals uniform for at least the 2013 season while the two sides work towards a contract extension. Johnson is set to receive $11.175M for the 2013 season, making him the highest paid franchise tagged players for the

Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals in the last five years.

Johnson was the Bengals third round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. Since he was drafted has has played in all 67 regular and post season games for the Bengals. In that time he as accumulated 146 tackles, 23 sacks, 2 INT’s and one forced fumble in that time.

Out of the last three players that have been franchised tagged by the Bengals, all have subsequently left the team the following season. Cincinnati is hoping that doesn’t happen with Michael Johnson.

In other Bengals news this off season they have yet to make a free agent signing of any great importance. They are expected to sign Wide Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. after his workout with the team went well. Another target of the Bengals is Tight End Matt Spaeth who met with the team this past week.

Cincinnati has lost 5 players to free agency, the largest so far being linebacker Dan Skuta. The team is expected to resign Cornerback Adam Jones with hope of also resigning Andre Smith and Terrance Newman. Next week should be busy for the team in orange.