Bengals sign Blackstock
Blackstock likely will be contributor on special teams
BY MARK CURNUTTE
Three days after losing Landon Johnson, whom they considered more of a backup, the Bengals agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Arizona backup linebacker Darryl Blackstock.
Agent Brad Blank confirmed the deal and said his client will get a chance to play defense with the Bengals, something he did in only four games last season for the Cardinals. Blackstock did have three sacks and could be used as a pass rusher off the edges.
The Bengals did not announce the acquisition.
Blackstock reportedly will get the one-year minimum of $520,000 with a $40,000 signing bonus.
In addition to 21 total tackles on defense, Blackstock had 11 tackles and one forced fumble in the kicking game.
Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons likes linebackers in kickoff and punt coverage.
Blackstock, who will turn 25 on May 30, was a 2005 third-round pick (95th overall) from the University of Virginia, but the Cardinals declined to give him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, which released him to free agency. As a result, the Cardinals are not entitled to match the Bengals' offer. Arizona is having salary cap problems.
Blackstock visited the Bengals on Thursday, the day after he was in Cleveland, Blank said.
Blackstock is 6 feet, 3 inches, 244 pounds, and he is listed as an outside linebacker. He has played in 46 games over three seasons with two starts. In 2007, he played in all 16 games for Arizona with no starts.
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Bengals sign Blackstock
Bengals sign Blackstock
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