ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 18: Running back Cadillac Williams #33 of the St. Louis Rams is stopped by outside linebacker Brandon Johnson #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of the game on December 18, 2011 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bengals defeated the Rams 20-13. (Photo by Whitney Curtis/Getty Images)
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, free agent linebacker Brandon Johnson is scheduled to visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.
Johnson joined the Bengals in 2008, playing every regular season and post season game since -- the longest active streak. Along with generating over 80 tackles during his first season with the team, Johnson generated 3.5 quarterback sacks, three interceptions, a forced fumble and 14 passes defensed throughout his Bengals career.
Despite the team's efforts to indirectly reduce Johnson's playing time on defense since 2008 -- drafting linebackers, signing free agents -- Johnson has reshaped his overall importance to the team through special teams (named the team captain in 2010) as well as obvious passing situations on defense.
However the Bengals made little effort to bring Johnson back this year after a series of one-year deals. With Rey Maualuga, Thomas Howard, Manny Lawson starting and Dan Skuta, Dontay Moch, Roddrick Muckelroy and Vincent Rey (among others) backing them up on defense with projected special teams roles, it appeared that there just wasn't enough room for Johnson.
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