RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis Joins Bengals and AFC North Free Agency Notes

It's been an active day around the AFC North as far as free agency is concerned, with the top story being the Cincinnati Bengals signing running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to a three-year deal.

Along with Michael Bush, Green-Ellis was one of two running backs the Bengals met with earlier this week.

The signing of Green-Ellis likely means that Bush will land with another team.

Green-Ellis, a former New England Patriot, isn't the most explosive runner on the free agent market, likely indicating that that role will be played by a back the Bengals pick up in next month's draft.

However, his third down and goal-line skills, reliable hands (he has yet to lose a fumble in his professional career) and pass-blocking abilities will make him an incredibly useful member of the Bengals' offense.

Green-Ellis rushed 181 times for 667 yards and 11 scores in 2011 and also caught nine passes for another 159 yards.

In other news around the division, the Cleveland Browns—once incorrectly thought to have interest in Bengals free agent run-stopping linebacker Manny Lawson—have met with former New York Giants middle linebacker Jonathan Goff, according to the Plain Dealer.

Goff was one of the numerous Giants defenders struck down with injuries last season, missing all of 2011 with a torn ACL.

The Plain Dealer reports that, if he signs, he would be as a depth addition only and would not start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made two offseason roster additions today, adding tight end Wes Lyons and fullback Will Johnson.

Johnson and Lyons were teammates in West Virginia and Lyons is a Western Pennsylvania native. This is Lyons' second stint on the Steelers' offseason roster.

According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, the Bengals are currently in contract talks with free agent cornerback Adam "Not Pacman" Jones.

Hobson cites the Bengals' preference to keep 10 defensive backs on their roster—six corners and four safeties—as one reason for the team making the move to keep him around.

Two other teams have reportedly expressed interest in Jones as well.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens have yet to make any offseason additions. The team met with New England Patriots free agent defensive end Mark Anderson on Tuesday, but didn't land him.

Anderson instead agreed to a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

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