Earlier Tuesday afternoon Aaron Wilson reported that, even though a deal still isn't completed, outside linebacker Manny Lawson will be returning to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2012 season. Joe Reedy with the Cincinnati Enquirer largely echoed that, saying that the Bengals could re-sign Lawson within "the next 24-48 hours", save for any major development. And if you need more confirmation, just ask outside linebacker Thomas Howard.
According to his personal twitter account, Lawson told Howard that he's returning next season to Cincinnati.
If Lawson does sign, he'll be the sixth unrestricted free agent to return with the Bengals in 2012, joining safety Reggie Nelson, cornerback Adam Jones, defensive tackle Pat Sims, offensive tackle Anthony Collins and Mike Nugent (who was actually franchises and had no choice to return).