Michael Johnson: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Star DE

Defensive end Michael Johnson was a marquee free-agent signing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2014 season, but he will lace it up for the Bengals in 2015

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Johnson Signs with Bengals

Sunday, March 15

"Former Bengals DE Michael Johnson is returning to Cincinnati, having reached agreement with team," reported ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing a source. "DE Michael Johnson back to Cincy after his one-year hiatus in Tampa," Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo added.

"Michael Johnson made $16M for one year with the Bucs. There are no offsets. So whatever he makes with Cincy is on top of that," reported Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. On March 11, Rapoport first reported the Buccaneers elected to release Johnson, even though he was still owed $7 million.

Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press first reported on March 11 the Bengals' interest in Johnson, though he also noted the Vikings had interest as well. On March 12, Schefter reported Johnson's first free-agency visit would be to the Vikings.

Johnson only managed four sacks for Tampa Bay last year, but he was one of the best pass-rushers in the entire league in 2012 for the Bengals when he racked up 11.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Johnson played for Cincinnati from 2009 to 2013.

Johnson may have experienced something of a down year last season, but he is still only 28 years old and has proved himself at the NFL level.

Cincinnati finished 22nd in total team defense in 2014. Adding a dynamic playmaker such as Johnson, who has tallied double-digit sacks in an individual season before, would certainly help improve those numbers.