Bengals Bites (3/4)

NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings favorite to sign Michael Johnson? - FanSided
Re-signing Michael Johnson would eat into a significant part of the Cincinnati Bengals payroll, something they’re apparently pondering over. While they’d like Johnson back, they’re already strong with Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins and given Johnson’s salary demands, it’s an iffy situation.

No tag for Eugene Monroe creates a tackle market | ProFootballTalk
While other positions are picked over already, there will be a market for top pass protectors this offseason. With the deadline to use franchise (and transition) tags passed, the Ravens did not use one on Eugene Monroe.

Pettine says Browns didn’t conduct a “formal interview” of Manziel at the Scouting Combine | ProFootballTalk
The Scouting Combine ended nearly a week ago, but interesting tidbits continue to emerge. For example, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that coach Mike Pettine said Monday the Browns didn't conduct a "formal interview" with Johnny Manziel in Indianapolis.

Richard Sherman calls NFL banning the N-word “an atrocious idea” | ProFootballTalk
Count Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman among those who think the NFL would be wrong to pass a new rule against players using the N-word on the field. Asked about the proposal to make use of the N-word an automatic 15-yard penalty, Sherman told Peter King of TheMMQB.

Baldwin strongly against NFL’s consideration to penalize for use of N-word on field | Seahawks Insider - The News Tribune
Doug Baldwin joined a trio of other Seahawks on Monday night at the premiere of the “Super Bowl XLVIII Champions Seattle Seahawks” movie in downtown Seattle. Much like his teammate Richard Sherman, Baldwin came out strongly against the NFL considering penalties for the use of the N-word on the field. Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2014/03/03/baldwin-strongly-against-nfls-consideration-to-penalize-for-use-of-n-word-on-field/#storylink=cpy

Blake Bortles: NFL personnel people comparing QB to Andrew Luck
NFL personnel people have begun comparing Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles to Andrew Luck.

NFL might experiment with making extra-point attempts longer - NFL.com
Matt Prater -- who made all 75 of his extra-point attempts in 2013 -- might soon find his job more challenging. Judy Battista reports on a new wrinkle being considered by the Competition Committee.