Rudi Johnson Signs 1-Year Deal With Bengals

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:28 am

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Running back Rudi Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.

Johnson was a restricted free agent after last season, but the Bengals made sure he would stay by tendering a one-year, $1.8 million offer. No team was willing to match the offer and give the Bengals first- and third-round picks as compensation.

Johnson waited until after the Bengals' rookie minicamp to sign the one-year offer.

Top draft pick Chris Perry, a running back from Michigan, attended the minicamp over the weekend. The Bengals plan to use Perry to back up Johnson this season.

Johnson emerged as a starting running back after Corey Dillon hurt his groin early last season. Johnson ran for 957 yards and nine touchdowns, and a disgruntled Dillon was traded to New England last month.