Though Thomas Howard, who led Cincinnati in tackles in 2011, visited with the Miami Dolphins last week he remains one of Cincinnati's better free agents on the market. And Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wants him back.

Meeting with the local beat writers Sunday night prior to league meetings that start on Monday in Arizona, Lewis said "we have to deal with the physical condition. Hopefully we have every opportunity to get Thomas signed."

Heading into week two, Howard suffered a season-ending ACL injury during practice which directly gave rise to linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Until his knee is healthy and fully rehabilitated, we expect interest around the league to be limited.

Howard originally signed a two-year deal worth $6.2 million on July 29, 2011, replacing an injured Keith Rivers who showed up to camp with a cast after undergone surgery that was once described as "reconstruction of the wrist."

Cincinnati has lost two linebackers so far during free agency. Manny Lawson signed a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills while Dan Skuta left for San Francisco on a two-year contract.