Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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October 24

Chicago Sun-Times

"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday morning on WSCR-AM (670) that defensive tackle Tommie Harris ''is healthy.'' A statement on Harris' health hasn't been that inaccurate since coach Lovie Smith announced at the start of training camp that Harris was ''100 percent healthy.'' Since Angelo's radio appearance, Harris has missed his second and third practices of the week, and he will be held out of the game Sunday at Cincinnati. A source said Harris has undergone extra treatments on his left knee after experiencing persistent pain since last week's game on the artificial surface in Atlanta. Marcus Harrison, who made his first career start against the Falcons, will move from nose ..."

Benson says he was blackballed

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October 22

Washington Times

"Cedric Benson believes the Chicago Bears did all they could to keep him from signing with another team. Released in June 2008 after two alcohol-related arrests, Benson will face his former team when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Bears on Sunday. Although he insisted he's not out for revenge and won't try to send a message, Benson clearly has some bad feelings for the Bears. "I heard all the rumors that were said coming out of Chicago," Benson said. "Even the Bengals told me all the things, that they would call and inquire about me and get nothing but negative things. Just that I didn't work hard, that I was I guess a prima donna or I didn't work hard on the field, just wasn't focused. ..."

Bengals, Smith close to contract

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August 30

Cincinnati Enquirer

"After a deal appeared out of the question a week ago, the Bengals and Andre Smith are closing in on a deal that could be finalized in the next couple hours, ending a 30-day standoff. Talks between the Bengals and Smith's agent, Alvin Keels, are currently taking place at Paul Brown Stadium and Smith is on a plane to Cincinnati. If a deal is completed by 3 p.m., the offensive tackle would be on the practice field for the first time since the last minicamp session on June 20. Including today's practice, there will be three before the Bengals take on Indianapolis in the preseason finale at PBS on Thursday. Last Sunday, Keels met with the team for four hours with no progress. But during the ..."

Palmer will sit out Thursday's game

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August 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Another day, another practice without Carson Palmer. Palmer rehabbed his sprained left ankle inside Paul Brown Stadium on Monday while the Bengals went through their practice in preparation for Thursday's third preseason game against St. Louis. With only one practice remaining, it is doubtful Palmer will play Thursday. He has not practiced since Aug. 12, which was the last practice before the New Orleans game. He did some light tossing on a side field Sunday and is keeping his arm in shape, but has not been able to consistentlyback to pass. "I'll take it day by day," Palmer said. "It looks slim (playing) but I'll keep rehabbing, see how it feels and if it keeps improving see where we're at ..."

Palmer might sit vs. Rams

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August 23

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Carson Palmer was walking better Saturday, but his status for Thursday's third preseason game, against St. Louis, remains questionable. Palmer, who has a sprained left ankle, did not practice on the field Saturday, instead doing rehab work inside Paul Brown Stadium. If you read between the lines on some of his comments, it sounds very much as though he will not see action against the Rams. "It's important to play and practice as much as possible. But at the same time, you need to be smart and make sure you're setting yourself up to be as healthy as possible for the opener and not have a season-long issue," Palmer said. "I'd love to be able to play and practice and do everything I can. But ..."

Smith agent, Bengals talking

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August 15

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The logjam of unsigned picks in the lower top 10 has broken, but whether it means progress in getting Andre Smith signed remains to be seen. At least it has gotten both sides talking again. Agent Alvin Keels sent a proposal to the Bengals on Wednesday and the two sides were expected to talk on Friday. In the past two days, the number eight and nine picks have agreed to terms. The more important of the two happened on Friday as the Jaguars agreed to terms with offensive tackle Eugene Monroe on a five-year deal worth $35.4 million with about $19 million guaranteed. The Bengals last offer to Smith was $33 million, or $5 million less than than what Darrius Heyward-Bey got from Oakland as the ..."

Report: Bengals pursued Vick

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August 14

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com this morning said the Cincinnati Bengals offered Michael Vick a two-year, $2.3 million contract. Vick, 29, has been out of the league for two years after being convicted of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation. He reached a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that was reported on Thursday worth $1.6 million, with an option for a second year for $5.2 million, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Last month, Bengals owner Mike Brown said that Vick wouldn't be a fit in Cincinnati because Carson Palmer is established as the starter. "Quarterbacks are like queen bees," Brown said then. "Carson is the guy.""

Bengals place Kelly on IR

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August 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Bengals today officially placed tight end Reggie Kelly on injured reserve, ending his season. The 11-year veteran underwent surgery in Cincinnati to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which he suffered during a morning practice on Monday. "He's been very durable and played through some injuries," said coach Marvin Lewis of Kelly. "That's the challenge of coaching, to look and see what our best opportunities are to replace Reggie's snaps and his influence." Kelly was in his seventh season with the Bengals and has 115 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns in 90 games (86 starts). He spent four seasons with Atlanta before joining the Bengals. Ben Utecht and Chase Coffman are ..."

Bengals' tight end injured, may be done for season, report says

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August 3

Dayton Daily News

"Initial reports out of Cincinnati Bengals training camp Monday, Aug. 3, are that starting tight end Reggie Kelly may have suffered a season-ending injury, according to Bengals.com. Kelly, considered a superb blocker, was carted off with what is feared to be a torn Achilles, the team Web site is reporting. If that is the case, Kelly could miss the entire season and it would leave the Bengals with just one experienced tight end in Ben Utecht."

Bengals striking deal with 3rd-round draft pick soon likely

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July 9

Dayton Daily News

"The Cincinnati Bengals have pretty much ignored their tight ends in recent years, but that part of the offense could be revived if third-round draft choice Chase Coffman has anything to say about it. But first, the former Missouri star must sign a contract. That being said, there are reasons to believe that a deal will be struck in time for training camp. With players due to report to Georgetown, (Ky.) Thursday, July 30, Coffman is very optimistic that he will be signed before camp opens. "There is no way I am not going to be signed before we go into training camp," Coffman said during a recent phone interview. "I'm making it there the very first day if not a couple of days early. I'm ..."

Hall could face league discipline

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June 2

ESPN.com

"Cincinnati Bengals starting cornerback Leon Hall is not out of the woods just yet. Despite his drunken driving case being reduced this week to a misdemeanor charge of reckless operation of a vehicle, the former first-round pick could face a fine or suspension before the 2009 season. "Yes, he is still under review for potential discipline," NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said Tuesday. "Pleading to a lower charge doesn't prevent you from discipline." The league is expected to examine the facts of the case and determine what to do next with Hall. According to the Bengals, Hall hasn't had any additional transgressions with the law. That could work in Hall's favor, because the NFL typically ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Smith sticking with agent

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May 13

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Who is Andre Smith's agent? At the moment it appears to still be Rick Smith. The Bengals' first round pick was the subject of published reports on Tuesday claiming that he fired his agent and was returning to his old one. SI.com's Jim Trotter reported Tuesday afternoon that Andre Smith had terminated his contract with Priority Sports and Rick Smith and was in the process of seeking his third agent in a month. A couple hours later, Steve Wyche of NFL.com said Andre was going back to his original agent, Alvin Keels, who he fired on April 12. However, a termination letter has not been sent to Priority Sports and Keels told The Enquirer he has not been rehired. As the day progressed, there was ..."

Smith fires agent

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May 12

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Andre Smith agent case just keeps getting wilder. It began with a report earlier in the day from SI.com's Jim Trotter, that said the Bengals first-round pick had dropped Rick Smith of Priority Sports as his agent. A couple hours later, Steve Wyche of NFL.com said that Andre was going back to his original agent, Alvin Keels, whom he fired a month ago. Andre Smith is in Atlanta until organized team activities begin next Tuesday. Interview requests to him were not returned. On April 12, Smith fired Alvin Keels before choosing Rick Smith and Priority 10 days later. "The deal is this: Andre is hungry and ready to do whatever it takes to be an elite player in the National Football League," ..."

Bengals could use what Wayne grad Orton might bring

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May 8

Dayton Daily News

"Greg Orton, from Wayne High School, was a standout wide receiver for the Purdue Boilermakers as a senior last season. However, his performance on the field failed to result in having his name called in April's NFL draft. Instead, Orton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals and now must take the road less traveled to a life in pro football. In a recent phone interview, Orton reflected on not being drafted and having the opportunity to make the Bengals the hard way. "It feels good to be with my hometown team, but I'm a little disappointed not being drafted," Orton said. "I have a chip on my shoulder and it motivates me even more to go out there and work harder each ..."

Bengals trade for running back

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May 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Roy Williams' is officially a Bengal while the team might've found a backup at running back. Williams, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, officially signed his contract this afternoon with a 2:30 press conference scheduled at Paul Brown Stadium. He arrived in town today and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was his coordinator in Dallas from 2003-06. However the Bengals' wheeling and dealing was not done. They made a trade with St. Louis, sending DT Orien Harris to the Rams in exchange for RB Brian Leonard. Leonard started in seven games as a rookie in 2007 and finished with 303 yards on 86 carries. His best game came on Oct. 7, 2007, against Arizona when he had 102 ..."

Bengals reach deal with star safety

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May 7

Dayton Daily News

"Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis once said that with Roy Williams on your team, you could play defense with 10 guys. The Bengals will line up with 11 against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 13, and his strong safety will be Williams. The 6-foot, 225-pounder agreed to contract terms on Wednesday, May 6, two months after he received his release from Dallas. The move strengthens the Bengals' secondary, giving it more physicality. "I believe Roy will bring veteran leadership and a headhunter's mentality to the team," agent Jordan Woy wrote in an E-mail. Williams, who turns 29 on Aug. 14, is a six-time Pro Bowler. One of the NFL's most feared hitters, Williams became known for the ..."

At last, the Bengals' selection

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April 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"After four months of seemingly endless evaluations, a million mock drafts and more scrutiny about character than a Supreme Court, the Bengals should go on the clock at the NFL Draft Saturday around 5 p.m. With the sixth pick in the first round, the Bengals could address large needs on the offensive and defensive lines, achieve coach Marvin Lewis' goal of finding a pass rusher or opt for a skills position player. Here are some of the key questions heading into this weekend: Isn't it a foregone conclusion that they're going to take an offensive lineman? Nothing is a foregone conclusion when it comes to the draft (except for the first pick being known and signed). However one must take into ..."

If the Bengals get the right offer Ochocinco is gone

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April 25

Dayton Daily News

"Inquiring minds want to know if the Chad Ochocinco era in Cincinnati ends today, April 25, with a trade of the disgruntled wide receiver. Head coach Marvin Lewis said he won't move his five-time Pro Bowler, whose contract runs through 2011. However, if a suitor from the NFC East dangles the right carrot, Ocho could go-go. Owner Mike Brown doesn't want to set a precedent by dealing Ochocinco with years remaining on his contract. But Brown has to realize an angry, pouting player doesn't offer his best effort when he's unhappy. Trading Chad would give the club ammunition to make a play for a prized wideout such as Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree or Darrius Heyward-Bey. It would also send a ..."

Will Bengals choose O-lineman?

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April 24

Cincinnati Enquirer

"During the last two months, when a top tackle or center prospect worked out, Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander was there. That's nothing new, but this year Alexander's campus appearances were especially noteworthy. That's because the Bengals, who pick sixth in this weekend's NFL Draft, lost two starters on the offensive line in the offseason, making it very possible that the team will pick an offensive lineman in first round. The last time the Bengals drafted a lineman in the top two rounds was 2006, when Andrew Whitworth went in the second round. • Quiz: See how much you know about the NFL Draft. • Interactive: Joe Reedy's draft analysis The Bengals aren't alone in their needs. ..."

An offensive tackle rests at top of the Bengals' wish list

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April 24

Dayton Daily News

"A look at the Cincinnati Bengals as the NFL draft approaches: Picks: 11 Rounds: First (No. 6 overall), second (No. 38), third (Nos. 70 and 98), fourth (No. 106), fifth (No. 142), sixth (Nos. 179 and 209) and seventh (Nos. 215, 249 and 252). What they need: An offensive tackle to protect quarterback Carson Palmer, who suffered a broken nose and partially torn ligament and tendon in his right elbow, which sidelined him for 12 games. The Bengals yielded 51 sacks and finished last in total offense. Top five offensive tackles: Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Jason Smith (Baylor), Andre Smith (Alabama), Michael Oher (Mississippi), Eben Britton (Arizona). Possible surprise: The upset pick would be Ohio ..."

Bengals could pick Wake LB

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April 23

Cincinnati Enquirer

"For a unit that had its highest defensive ranking in seven years last season, the Bengals' defense is continuing to develop. After taking defensive players in the first round the last four years, it is possible that the Bengals might end that streak this weekend, but there could be some intriguing possibilities if a certain player falls to the No. 6 draft spot. That player would be Aaron Curry. The Wake Forest linebacker is the consensus choice as the safest pick in this year's draft because of his athleticism and work ethic. He was a four-year starter for the Demon Deacons with 332 tackles, including 45.5 for loss, and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Curry visited the ..."

Lewis says once again, Ochocinco is here to stay

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April 22

Dayton Daily News

"Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco isn't going to be traded or released. "I don't know why people continue with this speculation of moving Chad," head coach Marvin Lewis said on Tuesday, April 21. "It's been told many times and we've reiterated it now for I don't know how long. But Chad is not getting moved." Chad's surname is officially "Ochocinco" - one word, not two. "We're going to conform to the league policy on his name," Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said. "That's what it says on the legal books. That's what's going to be on his jersey." Feed the hungry The Bengals return all 11 starters on defense, but the league's 12th-ranked unit needs an impact pass rusher to take pressure ..."

Ocho Cinco unlikely to be traded

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April 12

Cincinnati Enquirer

"With the draft two weekends away, the amount of e-mail from curious fans has increased. And most of it has focused on one player, Chad Ocho Cinco, and one question: Will he be traded? The short answer is probably not. Barring a major change of course, he will be here after draft weekend and should be in Georgetown, Ky., for training camp. Since Ocho Cinco did not show for the voluntary offseason workout program March 30, the rumor mill has increased about the wide receiver's future with the team. Things went into overdrive last Saturday when a blogger had Ocho Cinco traded to the Raiders for a second-round pick and running back Michael Bush. Then on Tuesday, Michael Smith of ESPN reported ..."

If Bengals are to trade Ocho Cinco, Birds should listen

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April 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"Just when the Eagles' offseason started to settle down into a countdown toward the April 25-26 draft, along came our old friend Michael Smith to stir the pot a little. Smith speculated on ESPN that the Bengals could end up trading wideout Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson. Moving the Chains asserts that Smith said, in a question about the Eagles, that he believes there is interest. I'm not sure Smith has a lot of management sources with the Eagles. (Does anyone?) He points out that the Eagles have two first-round draft choices, so they would be a logical destination. That's why the Birds are getting pulled into almost every trade scenario, at every position, this offseason. They have two ..."

Agent: Tank Johnson signs with Bengals

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April 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Bengals have signed defensive tackle Tank Johnson to a one-year deal, according to the player's agent Jerrold Colton. The team has yet to announce the signing, and might not do so until tomorrow. "Tank had a good meeting with the Bengals last Thursday and is excited to play for Marvin Lewis, (defensive coordinator) Mike Zimmer and (defensive line coach) Jay Hayes," Colton said this afternoon. With the Bengals close to the limit on the salary cap, the deal is believed to be for the league minimum, which would be for $620,000. Johnson will be entering his sixth season. Johnson has played the last two seasons in Dallas and struggled in the Cowboys' 3-4 alignment He had 45 tackles and ..."

Bengals have interest in Georgia RB Moreno

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April 6

Dayton Daily News

"With the NFL draft 19 days away, the Cincinnati Bengals are beginning to narrow down their choices of potential prospects as possible draft day selections. University of Georgia redshirt sophomore sensation Knowshon Moreno is a player long believed to be high on the team's list. That being said Moreno will be in Cincinnati to meet with the organization today, April 6. The Bengals own the sixth overall pick in the draft and wouldn't be opposed to trading down to stockpile draft picks. But the team could consider using their first round selection on Moreno in either scenario. Recent reports have Moreno's stock taking a nosedive due to some less than impressive 40-times which he ran at the ..."

Chad-to-Raiders report debunked

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April 5

Cincinnati Enquirer

"There have been a lot of rumors and speculation the past week about Chad Ocho Cinco's future with the Bengals. First, he didn't show up for the beginning of offseason conditioning workouts on Monday. Then, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports on Thursday had a list of 10 players who could be traded before the draft, with Ocho Cinco at No. 2 On Saturday, a blogger on BleacherReport.com reported the Raiders and Bengals are hammering out a trade to send Ocho Cinco to Oakland in exchange for running back Michael Bush and a second-round draft pick. According to the blogger, Kushy Williams: "I got a quick minute to ask (new Raiders coach Tom) Cable about this trade, and he responded by saying this move ..."

Will Chad show for offseason workouts?

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March 29

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The offseason conditioning program for the Bengals begins Monday at Paul Brown Stadium, which means we're close to answering everyone's favorite question - will Chad Ocho Cinco be there? The short answer, at the moment, is we don't know. "I plan on everyone to be here until I hear that they're not," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "Now, there are some guys in weddings or classes who won't be here the first week but will the second, and vice versa. We should be at 90 percent or better in terms of attendance." If Ocho Cinco adheres to his word, he should be at PBS on Monday. During Super Bowl week, the wide receiver said he would participate in all offseason activities, which would be a ..."

Bengals make bid for Peterson's blocker

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March 21

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Bengals might be close to filling that hole at fullback with one of their former players. The team has signed Naufahu Tahi of the Vikings to an offer sheet of one year and $1.4 million with $500,000 guaranteed. Minnesota has seven days to match the offer. The Vikings' offer was the low-level tender of $1.01 million. Because Tahi was undrafted, the Bengals would not have to give up any draft picks as compensation. Tahi told the St. Paul Pioneer Press after he visited the Bengals two weeks ago: "I think they're turning it around and cleaning things up, from the inside out. I think they're headed in the right direction." Entering his fourth year, Tahi became the Vikings' primary fullback ..."

Bengals pursue Tahi

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March 20

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Bengals might be close to filling that hole at fullback with one of their former players. The team has signed Naufahu Tahi of the Vikings to an offer sheet of 1-year and $1.4 million with $500,000 guaranteed. Minnesota has seven days to match the offer. The Vikings' offer was the low-level tender of $1.01 million and because Tahi was an undrafted free agent, the Bengals would not have to give up any draft picks as compensation. Tahi visited the Bengals two weeks ago. He entered the league with the Bengals in 2006 and spent most of the season on the practice squad. He was signed by the Vikings on Nov. 22, 2006, when starting FB Tony Richardson was placed on injured reserve."

Bengals pleased with ex-Dallas Cowboys safety Williams' workout

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March 20

Dallas Morning News

"Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he was pleased with former Cowboys safety Roy Williams' workout in Cincinnati on Thursday. Williams' agent, Jordan Woy, said he plans to continue contract talks with the Bengals, and Williams plans to meet with other teams. "It was a good workout," Zimmer, a former Cowboys defensive coordinator, told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I wanted to evaluate him from when I remembered him. He's still got some quickness.""

Williams to visit

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March 19

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Vikings have apparently landed a Bengals wide receiver. Just not the first one they wanted. According to Pro Football Talk, Minnesota has signed a one-year deal with Glenn Holt, an unrestricted free agent who spent three seasons with the Bengals. The Vikings signed Holt to help upgrade their kick return game. Holt took over as the main return man with the Bengals in 2006 and held the job until the final four games of last year, when Andre Caldwell took over. In 122 career returns, he is averaging 24.3 yards per return with a touchdown (a 100-yard return at Buffalo in 2007). Last year Holt averaged 24.1 yards in 46 returns with his longest being 60 yards at Dallas in Week 5. Holt also ..."

Ex-Dallas Cowboys safety Williams visiting Cincinnati

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March 19

Dallas Morning News

"Roy Williams is in Cincinnati, visiting with the Bengals, where he could be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. According to Williams' agent, Jordan Woy, Williams has already turned down one offer and he has two more potential visits."

Bengals to consider Beanie Wells with No. 6 pick

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March 18

Dayton Daily News

"The Cincinnati Bengals have the sixth overall selection in this year's NFL draft and will be in search of an impact player on either offense or defense. The prospect evaluation process has long begun and the franchise is beginning to narrow down its choices. One impact player ranked high on the team's list is Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. The Bengals have a need for a playmaker at the running back position behind starter Cedric Benson and Wells is scheduled to visit the organization in Cincinnati the first week of April. Wells may have put himself back in the running as a potential Top 5 pick after an explosive performance at the school's pro day on March 13, rebounding ..."

Report: Bengals shopping Levi

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March 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"According to a Chicago Sun-Times report by Brad Biggs, the Bengals are actively trying to trade offensive lineman Levi Jones. Briggs says if Cincinnati can't work out a deal for him, they'll probably cut Jones. Jones is entering his 8th season with the team. His last last three seasons have been injury-plagued. There is a strong crop of offensive tackles in this year's NFL Draft, with four possibly going in the first 15 picks. Depending on the teams' needs, it is conceivable one of the top tackles will be available when the Bengals pick sixth."

O'Sullivan could sign as backup QB today

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March 5

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Today could be another busy day at Paul Brown Stadium, as the Bengals are close to an agreement to sign J.T. O'Sullivan as a backup quarterback. O'Sullivan started eight games for San Francisco last year; this would mark his seventh team in seven seasons. If O'Sullivan falls through, Rex Grossman will visit today and J.P. Losman might follow. Also, Minnesota fullback Naufahu Tahi is visiting. Tahi was on the Bengals' practice squad in 2006 and is a low-tender restricted free agent, meaning the Bengals would not have to give up a draft pick to sign him."

Coles, Bengals agree on deal

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March 4

Cincinnati Enquirer

"After losing T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks on Monday, the Bengals hope they have found his replacement: Laveranues Coles. The Bengals and Coles have reached an agreement in principle on a four-year, $28 million contract. Both sides are still working out language and fine terms with the contract. The deal could be officially announced by the team later tonight or tomorrow morning. Coles is expected to be in town and formally introduced tomorrow. Coles will be entering his 10th season in the league. He was drafted by the Jets in the third round in 2000. He went to the Redskins in 2003 for two seasons before being traded back to the Jets. This past season he had 70 receptions for 850 ..."

Benson, Texans Look at Options

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March 3

Houston Chronicle

"Free-agent running back Cedric Benson spent Monday visiting with the Texans at Reliant Stadium and having lunch and dinner with coaches, but no deal was reached that would return him to his home state. Benson grew up in Midland and played at the University of Texas before Chicago drafted him with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft. After being waived by the Bears last year, Benson signed with Cincinnati, and he responded with a career-high 747 yards in 10 starts. The Bengals, who have offered Benson a contract, are trying to re-sign him as their starter. The Texans, who are continuing negotiations, want him to complement Steve Slaton. Close to home "I feel good about this," Benson ..."

T.J. Houshmandzadeh will sign with Seahawks

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March 2

Seattle Times

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the top free-agent receiver, has agreed to sign with the Seahawks, according to ESPN. The five-year deal will pay Houshmandzadeh at least $15 million and as much as $40 million. Houshmandzadeh, 31, chose the Seahawks over Minnesota and re-signing with Cincinnati. Houshmandzadeh has caught more than 90 passes in three straight seasons. The Seahawks were led in receptions last season by rookie tight end John Carlson, who caught 55 passes."

Vikings continue to court receiver Houshmandzadeh; decision could come today

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March 2

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"After he arrived on a private jet Saturday evening, T.J. Houshmandzadeh continued to be wined and dined by the Vikings on Sunday. Houshmandzadeh toured Winter Park, the team's headquarters, as well as parts of the Twin Cities, and he visited with Vikings players, coaches and staffers. Yet by Sunday night, the Vikings had not signed Houshmandzadeh, considered the top wide receiver available in free agency. "No decision tonight," agent Kennard McGuire said in a brief e-mail Sunday night. McGuire didn't elaborate. Although he told the Cincinnati Enquirer on Saturday that he planned to make a decision Sunday night, Houshmandzadeh apparently needed more time and wanted to speak to his wife, ..."

Seahawks make a deal, wait for word

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March 2

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"The Seahawks will have to wait until Monday morning for T.J. Houshmandzadeh's decision on his free-agent destination. As will the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals and everyone else interested in where the top-rated wide receiver in this year's free-agency class will land. Houshmandzadeh had planned toa team by Sunday night, but the decision was postponed, his agent, Kennard McGuire, said late Sunday. In the meantime, the Seahawks signed their top free-agent priority Sunday: Colin Cole, a 335-pound defensive tackle who played the previous five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Not the big-name player Houshmandzadeh is, but the big-bodied player the Seahawks needed in the middle of ..."

Houshmandzadeh sleeps on his decision

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March 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings have made their pitch to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Now all they can do is wait. After meeting with team officials for 5 1/2 hours Sunday at Winter Park, the top wide receiver on the NFL's free-agent market told his agent he needed to sleep on his decision. He remained in the Twin Cities on Sunday night and presumably will make a decision today. The three-team race for Houshmandzadeh includes the Vikings, Bengals and Seahawks. The financial factor likely will play a significant role in his decision. Houshmandzadeh, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Bengals, is believed to have received more lucrative offers from both Cincinnati and Seattle."

Orlovsky signs with Texans; Benson targeted

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March 2

Houston Chronicle

"In the first three days of free agency, the Texans filled needs by signing left defensive end Antonio Smith and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky, and now they have targeted running back Cedric Benson for a third priority. The Texans seek a back to play behind Steve Slaton, and they are bringing in Benson, 26, for a visit. Benson, the Midland native who played at the University of Texas before Chicago drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2005, rushed for 747 yards in 10 starts with Cincinnati last season. Last year, the Texans weren’t interested in Benson (5-11, 220 pounds) when he was waived by the Bears. They became interested after watching him play for the Bengals and avoid ..."

T.J. decision on hold

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March 2

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh was determined to make a decision by Sunday night on his future. But after a five-plus hour meeting with the Vikings, that decision has been delayed until Monday according to his agent, Kennard McGuire. Houshmandzadeh is weighing offers from three teams - the Bengals, Vikings and Seahawks. After a meeting at Vikings' headquarters that lasted over five hours, he is in Minneapolis overnight. The Bengals have been in discussions with McGuire and have an offer on the table higher than the deals of Plaxico Burress (five years, $35 million with $11 million guaranteed) and Hines Ward (five years, $33 million). The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Vikings and ..."

Vikings present their sales pitch to Houshmandzadeh

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March 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A year after adding Bernard Berrian to their offense, the Vikings have their sights set on another high-priced wide receiver in free agency. Owner Zygi Wilf dispatched one of his private jets to pick up T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Seattle on Saturday after he spent the previous day visiting the Seahawks. The expectation was that once Houshmandzadeh arrived, the Vikings would put a full-court press on the longtime Cincinnati Bengals receiver in an attempt to get him signed before he leaves Minnesota. Houshmandzadeh and a contingent of Vikings officials ate dinner at a private room at Manny's Steakhouse in Minneapolis on Saturday evening. Houshmandzadeh said in a text message to the Cincinnati ..."

T.J. decision close

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March 1

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh will know about his future by the end of the weekend. In a text message to The Enquirer, the Bengals' free agent wide receiver said he expects to make a decision "Sunday evening" about whether to remain in Cincinnati or go to a new team. The Bengals and Houshmandzadeh's agent, Kennard McGuire, have been in discussions over the last three days and the Bengals have an offer on the table. The Bengals' free agent wide receiver will visit Minnesota tonight after meeting with Seattle yesterday. He might also visit with the New York Giants, but that has not been confirmed. After a hectic first 36 hours of free agency, Houshmandzadeh is one of the big names remaining, along ..."

T.J. begins tour in Seattle

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February 28

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The first day of free agency for the Bengals began with a flurry of activity. It featured a couple of re-signings and departures along with the beginning of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh's tour of prospective teams. With Houshmandzadeh visiting Seattle, the Bengals did achieve one of their early goals by re-signing safety Chris Crocker. Earlier, offensive guard/tackle Stacy Andrews agreed to a deal with Philadelphia. Late Friday night, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick agreed to terms with Buffalo. "We're not in a rush to do anything as a bunch of places are. I think last year on the first day only one team that added a player went to the playoffs. We are excited to get Chris re-signed and ..."

Bengals Trade Rumors