Running back Johnson signs with Bengals

STAFF REPORT

Running back Larry Johnson has joined the Bengals after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team Tuesday morning.

Johnson arrived in Cincinnati on Monday night and met with head coach Marvin Lewis and his staff.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Johnson will receive the $4 million still owed by the Chiefs, who had to pick up the salary when he wasn't claimed off waivers, in addition to the veteran's minimum - $30,6764.43 for the remaining seven games.

Lewis said Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster would not change.

"It would have zero affect on Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott or Brian Leonard," Lewis said. "I'm very happy right now with what they're doing and their roles and I want to see Bernard's role continue to expand as it did yesterday."

Benson suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 win at Pittsburgh. The extent of Benson's injury is not known.

The Chiefs released Johnson last Monday, the day he was due back from his second suspension in 12 months. His last brush with controversy came two weeks ago when he posted a gay slur on his Twitter account and questioned the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

• Q Blog: Group opposes Johnson signing

Johnson rushed for 1,789 yards on 416 carries in 2006 for the Chiefs. During the following offseason, Johnson got a six-year deal worth $45 million after a holdout during training camp.

He was just 75 yards from breaking Priest Holmes' team rushing record when the team let him go.

The Bengals' next game is in Oakland on Sunday.