One year ago, Michael Johnson was one of the top free agent defensive ends on the market. He choose to leave the Cincinnati Bengals to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After picking up $16 million in the first year of his contract with the Bucs, Tampa Bay released him. Realizing that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence, Johnson has chosen to return to Cincinnati, signing a four-year-deal with the Bengals.
Michael Johnson’s deal is for 4 yrs. So what seemed impossible for Cincy — keeping young DL long-term — has happened in a roundabout way.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2015
Bengals gave Michael Johnson a 4-yr, $20 million deal that pays him $6 million this year. With Bucs’ $7 million, Johnson makes $13M in 2015.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2015
Michael Johnson Signs with Bengals
Johnson will recieve a further $7 million in bonus money from Tampa Bay over the next two years, part of the $23 million that was guaranteed on his contract. With no offsets in his deal, the reported $7 million he will recieve in his first year with the Bengals is all new money.
Michael Johnson cashing in with new deal with Bengals. Was already due $7M from Tampa and with no offsets now set to make about $14M in ’15
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 15, 2015
Johnson was given the franchise tag by the Bengals in 2013, as they could not work out a long-term contract. Now after playing one year in Tampa the Bengals have him back. Without Johnson the Bengals finished 30th in the league with only 23 sacks.
“Our entire organization is just ecstatic about getting Mike back,” Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement. “He’s earned tremendous respect from coaches, teammates and management. He did tremendous things for us while he was here, and we look forward to having him blend back in and uplift us as defensive football team.”
Johnson, 28, played with the Bengals from 2009 to 2013 and recorded 26.5 sacks with Cincinnati, including a career-best 11.5 in 2012.
Main Photo: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
