CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with restricted free agent linebacker Brandon Johnson.
Terms weren't released. The fourth-year player from Louisville finished second on the team in tackles last season, getting a chance to start after rookie linebacker Keith Rivers broke his jaw.
Johnson was a fifth-round pick by Arizona and played on special teams for two years. The Bengals signed him as a free agent, and he got his chance to play after Rivers got hurt. The Bengals tendered him a contract in February, giving them the right to match any offer from another team.
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Release from the Bengals:
The Bengals today re-signed LB Brandon Johnson, one of the team’s restricted free agents.
Johnson (6-5, 245; Louisville) is a fourth-year NFL player. In 2008, his first year with the Bengals, he had a breakout season, finishing second on the team in tackles (112). His playing time was limited early in the year, but he took advantage of a starting opportunity at midseason when LB Keith Rivers, Cincinnati’s top draft pick, was lost for the year to an injury. He led the team in tackles (90) over the nine games he started.
Johnson also ranked second on the team in QB hurries (10), tied for second in tackles-for-loss (five) and ranked fourth in passes defensed (seven).
Johnson joined the Bengals last season after two years with Arizona.
“We knew Brandon had good potential, but the way he came on last season was a very pleasant surprise,” said Bengals LBs coach Jeff FitzGerald. “His production was outstanding. He proved himself as a player that you definitely want on the field, and we are glad to have him back.”
