Free Agency Update: Michael Johnson Returns To Cincinnati
Brent LaBathe
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Early this morning, Adam Schefter reported that defensive end Michael Johnson had reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals to return to his former team:
Former Bengals DE Michael Johnson is returning to Cincinnati, having reached agreement with team, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2015
Johnson, who spent 2014 in Tampa Bay, found a lot of success while playing in Cincinnati under Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, recording 11.5 sacks in 2012. Johnson visited the Vikings late last week, and was quoted at the airport as saying that it would be a tough decision between his the two teams.
Michael Johnson on Minnesota visit: "This has made things way tougher than I thought'' Originally thought would sign w/Cincy before visit
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2015
I’m not sure how tough of a decision it was, as Johnson was able to reach an agreement first thing Sunday morning. I don’t think that had anything to do with the Vikings, however, as Johnson is on record saying the team offered him a ‘lucrative deal’ and that he thought the team had an excellent coaching staff in place.
Regardless of how good the Vikings offer was, it seems Johnson believed he’d end up in Cincinnati the entire time. There is obviously something to be said about the familiarity of friends, family and home.
Michael Johnson on who is favorite: "No lie. Before it all started, I thought, "OK, I'm probably going back to Cincy.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2015
Michael Johnson on choosing Bengals on four-year deal."This is my home. I feel like outside of Selma (Alabama hometown), this is my home.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 15, 2015
Johnson would have been a nice addition to Zimmer’s defense, but I don’t view it as a devastating loss in potential. It will be interesting to watch as the Vikings move into the second week of free agency. After being relatively quiet prior to Friday evening, I wonder if the team will now swoop in and target some mid-level players in hopes of filling some gaps on the roster.
Side note: Kudos to Chris Tomasson, who tracked Johnson down at the airport on Saturday morning. True dedication, right there.