Cincinnati Bengals Re-Sign LB Brandon Johnson

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed linebacker Brandon Johnson on Thursday to an extension. However, terms of the agreement were not released. 

I am happy that the Bengals decided to re-sign Johnson. While I don't believe he is a definite starter at this point, I think he could become one if he continues to improve. Regardless if he is a starter or not, he adds some much-needed depth to a position that was so thin a few years ago that the Bengals were literally signing guys off other teams' practice squads to become immediate starters in the NFL. 

This signing isn't going to be worthy of an ESPN headline any time soon, but rather just another solid move by the Bengals in a surprisingly productive offseason.

Here is the official release from the organization:

The Bengals today re-signed LB Brandon Johnson, one of the team’s restricted free agents.

Johnson (6'5", 245 pounds; 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."