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Johnson's new deal with the Bengals is for four years. Homecoming for him. Bengals looking for pass rush
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 15, 2015
The AFC North landscape is changing by the day within free agency, and the latest move to be made is the homecoming of DE Michael Johnson to the Cincinnati Bengals. After one year within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization, Johnson was released and signed with the Bengals after being away one year.
Per Jason La Confora, Johnson's deal is a 4-year contract which will give him $14 million dollars in 2015, half of that yearly salary will be paid by the Buccaneers, while the Bengals pick up the other half.. The Bengals were looking to improve their pass rush, and Johnson certainly has shown the ability to get to the quarterback in his career.
In 2012, Johnson recorded 11.5 sacks with the Bengals, but failed to get to the quarterback the following two seasons. A lackluster 2014 season where he accounted for only 27 tackles, he still was able to garner 4 sacks before being released by the Buccaneers.
Although Ben Roethlisberger is probably excited to get a new contract extension keeping him in Pittsburgh for most likely the duration of his career, he can't be looking forward to the return of Johnson who has tormented the Steelers in his time in the AFC North.
On a side note, the Bengals will actually be credited a compensatory pick for Johnson leaving for Tampa Bay, even though he is currently a member of the Bengals' organization.