Chicago Bears inquired about Bengals free agent Michael Johnson

The Chicago Bears are interested in Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, according to Jeff Dickerson with ESPN's NFL Nation.

The Bears were one of the teams to inquire about Johnson on Saturday on the opening day of the NFL's legal tampering period leading up the official start of free agency on Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Bears joined the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers as known teams vying for Johnson, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday, March 11. Upwards to seven teams reportedly have expressed interest in Johnson during the three-day window known as the legal tampering period.

As we pointed out earlier on Saturday, the Buccaneers are making a "hard push" for Johnson while the Vikings hold an extremely strong position as the favorites to eventually sign the soon-to-be former Bengals defensive end.

Also on Saturday, one ESPN report said Johnson will not be returning to the Cincinnati Bengals.