posted on May, 19 2003 @ 10:51 AM
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis dipped into the free agent pool for another defensive player, signing end Duane Clemons to a two-year contract
on Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Clemons' agent Drew Rosenhaus said Lewis and defensive co-ordinator Leslie Frazier made "an impressive pitch" to Clemons, who is the third free agent
down lineman to join the new regime.
Since naming Lewis - a long-time defensive co-ordinator - as coach, Cincinnati have signed defensive tackles John Thornton and Carl Powell.
The team also has added linebacker Kevin Hardy and cornerback Tory James.
"We're excited to add Duane to our defensive line," Lewis said.
"He's been a starter in the NFL and he's been productive."
Clemons turns 29 on May 24. He started 43 of 48 games over the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was waived on February 26 for
salary cap purposes.
A first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1996 before signing with the Chiefs in 2000, Clemons has 35 career sacks, including four seasons with
seven or more.
Since finishing last in the NFL in 2002 with a 2-14 mark, the Bengals have also drafted Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Carson Palmer first
overall.