The Cincinnati Bengals have been known to give players a second chance for some time. So it's habit, and unexpected, that the Bengals would at least display some interest with players that other teams wouldn't bother looking at. Cheap talent. A business man's wet dream.
Joe Reedy writes that the Bengals have officially made an offer for wide receiver Matt Jones, writing that the "deal is believed to be slightly above the league minimum of $630,000." According to the infallible Wiki, Jones was "arrested at gunpoint and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance" in the summer of 2008. Jones was able to make a deal with prosecutors allowing him to enter drug rehab rather than face a felony. The NFL handed Jones a three-game suspension. While still on probation, Jones was arrested after having alcohol in his system -- a violation. Jones was later released and missed the entire 2009 season. Since he wasn't under contract in 2009, Jones can be signed at any time before March 5; the official start of free agency.
Jones caught 65 passes for 761 yards receiving and two touchdowns in his most recent NFL season -- both career highs.
Reedy continues his "players that didn't play in 2009 so the Bengals are obviously interested" file, writing that the Bengals "also expected to have interest in former Cleveland receiver Donte Stallworth." Oh boy.