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HOT TOPIC
The Bengals have yet to reach contract extensions with three of their starting offensive linemen who are still in the primes of their careers.
Tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson and left guard Eric Steinbach all remained unsigned following the 2006 season. Center Rich Braham is entering the 13th season and expected to retire afterwards.
Anderson, an All Pro player the past two seasons, is entering his 11th NFL season. Jones is coming into his fifth year. Steinbach is entering his fourth. Starting right guard Bobbie Williams signed an extension earlier this offseason.
Anderson and coach Marvin Lewis both said that the line remains focused on team success.
"I want to make sure we have a chance to compete for that ring and make sure people know we're not talking about contracts," Anderson said after practice. "(Jones), that's my best friend on this team. Go get him (extended) first. He's playing on a high level right now. He's a left tackle. Go reward him now.
"They rewarded me with a big contract back in 2000. I want my friend, (Jones) and Steinbach, these young guys, to get the same opportunity and get rewarded the way I was five, six years ago. If they don't do me, there are no hard feelings. My initial goal is team."
Anderson said the team will not be torn apart by talk of contracts or the legal problems experienced over the past weekend by wide receiver Chris Henry and rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson.
"In tough times, we have to pull tighter," Anderson said.
Lewis said he appreciates how the offensive linemen have handled the question of their contracts in a professional manner.
"It takes two to tango; we haven't been able to get them signed," Lewis said. "We're trying to get them signed. That's the great part of the NFL. If we can't meet your price, play your tail off and maybe somebody will. We're not mad at you. If you leave, we'll put the next guy in and move forward."
PLAYER NOTES
-- Linebacker David Pollack practiced for the first time this offseason Wednesday after aggravating a foot injury. Pollack suffered the original injury during the season, coach Marvin Lewis said.
"Great. It felt good today," said Pollack, who met Thursday before practice with trainer Paul Sparling to determine how the foot reacted to practice.
-- Running back Chris Perry, who had knee surgery in April, will miss the mandatory full-squad minicamp from June 15-17. Starter Rudi Johnson, who had a knee cleanout in January, is expected to be cleared next week.
-- Quarterback Carson Palmer is making steady progress from his left knee surgery but will not participate fully in minicamp.
Asked if he thought Palmer would play in the preseason, coach Marvin Lewis said, "Yes."
And asked if he believes Palmer would take the first snap in the opener Sept. 10 at Kansas City, Lewis said, "I do."
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: Quarterback Carson Palmer (knee) and tailback Chris Perry (knee) will be the only players expected to miss mandatory Bengals minicamp June 15-17, coach Marvin Lewis said.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--FB Nick Luchey (not tendered June 1).
--S Ifeanyi Ohalete (not tendered June 1).
--DL Carl Powell (not tendered June 1).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--CB Rashad Bauman: UFA; terms unknown.
--FB Jeremi Johnson: RFA; $7.528M/5 yrs, SB unknown.
--OL Scott Kooistra: RFA; terms unknown, had been tendered at $721,600.
--P Kyle Larson: Potential ERFA; $385,000/1 yr.
--S Anthony Mitchell: UFA; terms unknown.
--LB Hannibal Navies: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--TE Tony Stewart: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--WR Kelley Washington: RFA; $721,600/1 yr.
--RB Kenny Watson: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--LB Marcus Wilkins: UFA; $585,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--DT Sam Adams: FA Bills; $7.5M/3 yrs, $2.75M SB; 2006 cap: $2.217M.
--WR/KR Antonio Chatman: Not tendered as RFA by Packers; $1.5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
--S Dexter Jackson: UFA Buccaneers; $7.6M/4 yrs, SB unknown.
--QB Doug Johnson: FA; terms unknown.
--QB Dave Ragone: Waivers Texans.
--QB Anthony Wright: UFA Ravens; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--DE Duane Clemons (released).
--S Kim Herring (released).
--QB Jon Kitna: UFA Lions; $11.5M/4 yrs, $3.5M SB.
--QB Craig Krenzel (released).
--TE Matt Schobel: UFA Eagles; 5 yrs, $1.8M SB.
--WR Kevin Walter: RFA Texans; did not match offer of $6.4M/4 yrs, Bengals receive 7th-round pick in 2006 draft as compensation.
--LB Nate Webster: UFA Broncos; $1.505M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB.
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
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