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The Bengals have come to a two-year agreement with quarterback Josh Johnson, who will be Andy Dalton's backup, according to Jenna Laine, who covers the NFL for multiple publications.
This was soon confirmed by the Enquirer's Joe Reedy:
First reported via @jennalainebucs and confirmed via a league source, Josh Johnson and the #bengals have agreed to terms
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) March 22, 2013
The deal will not be finalized until Saturday, but the two sides have agreed on terms that will land Johnson in Cincinnati as Bruce Gradkowski's replacement.
Johnson was a fifth-round pick out of San Diego by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. He was ironically drafted by Jon Gruden, the Bengals offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden's, older brother. Johnson played four years in Tampa Bay, starting five games and playing in several others. He then signed to the Cleveland Browns in 2012 after both Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden suffered injuries.
In his career, Johnson has completed 96 of 177 passes for 1,042 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a career 57.7 quarterback rating.
Johnson will replace Gradkowski, a veteran backup with several starts and big wins under his belt. However, the more time and experience Dalton has under his belt, the less experience his backup needs to have.