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Bengals agree to terms with Maualuga

As previously reported on Big C’s NFL Blitz, the Cincinnati Bengals are close to finalizing deals with their two top defensive draftees.
According to a league source, the Bengals have agreed to terms on a 4-year contract with second-round draft choice USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.
“It feels good to officially become a Bengal,” Maualuga said during a phone interview Wednesday, July 29. “It has been a life long dream as a child to be able to wear a uniform as a pro. It’s a blessing for me and my family. I’m happy, excited, and can’t wait to get things going in the next couple of days. I want to come in and contribute in anyway possible and work my way into the starting lineup. Anything that I can do to help this team win ball games that’s what I’m going to do.”
Maualuga was the 2008 recipient of the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best defensive player. He earned Pac-10 defensive player of the year after leading the Trojans with 79 tackles.
“Having Rey on the field from the start of training camp will maximize his potential to lend a physical presence to our defense,” head coach Marvin Lewis said in a release sent out by the Bengals. “He showed us a lot in our offseason work, and now we look forward to seeing him in contact situations.”
As for their third-round selection Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson, his agent, Richard Kopelman, said discussions are ongoing and is “very optimistic” Johnson will report to training camp on time. Johnson, who was the Bengals first pick in the third-round, has also participated in the team’s off-season activities.
Missouri tight end Chase Coffman was the Bengals’ second pick in the third-round behind Johnson and signed a 4-year deal on Tuesday, July 28.
The Bengals officially begin their first practice Friday, July 31.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
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By John Chimpo
July 29, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this
Carlos, thank you for the update. It seems no one is reporting on these last 3 players’ signing status and details. Please, please, please keep us posted.
By John Chimpo
July 29, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
He has signed, now please get Johnson in, then start camp 1 man short.
By Becca
July 29, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
WOW! You rock Big C! What’s the latest on Andre Smith signing?