The Cincinnati Bengals have made a move that will garner slightly less attention than the Chad Ochocinco trade, but which will make a significant difference on their defense.
The Bengals have reached an agreement with former Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard on a two-year, $6.5 million contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Howard lost his starting job and played a reserve role last season, and it’s been clear for months that Howard is no longer in the Raiders’ plans.
But in Cincinnati he’ll get a chance to compete for a starting spot again, and there’s no question he’s talented. A 2006 second-round draft pick, Howard started every game but two in his first four NFL seasons.