The Bengals have signed free agent WR Antonio Bryant to a four-year deal worth $28 million, and the signing was designed specifically to help Carson Palmer pass more effectively. “We believe Antonio was the top receiving prospect among this year’s unrestricted free agents, and we are excited to have him with us,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “… [W]e are moving forward to get better offensively, particularly in the passing game. As I’ve said, we need to keep putting key pieces around our very fine quarterback (Carson Palmer) to utilize his skills as much as we can.”

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LaDainian Tomlinson is at the New York Jets’ training facility in Florham Park, N.J., meeting with team officials about joining the offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season.

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After spending much of Thursday negotiating with the Seahawks and Browns, free-agent tight end Ben Watson opted to accept Cleveland’s multiyear offer.

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The Vikings wined and dined LaDainian Tomlinson on Wednesday night, then spent much of Thursday meeting with the star running back. Tomlinson emerged from Vikings headquarters on Thursday evening with a purple Vikings jersey in hand, but pulled away in a black limousine without a deal in place. Tomlinson declined to comment to reporters before the limo drove away, but several people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that the two sides had yet to reach a deal and Tomlinson was headed to the New York Jets for a visit on Friday.

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Video shows ex-Texas Tech coach Mike Leach ripping team’s “God squad guys” and threatening living situations.

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After spending much of Thursday negotiating with the Seahawks and Browns, free-agent tight end Ben Watson opted to accept Cleveland’s offer, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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The Browns announced the signing of veteran Benjamin Watson, giving them their first legitimate tight end threat since Kellen Winslow. Watson caught five touchdown passes last year with the Patriots on 29 receptions for 404 yards (a career-best 13.9 avg.). “We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent market,” said Browns GM Tom Heckert. “Because of his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets. He comes from a winning program in New England and possesses the traits that we like in a player. We feel as though he can help us in many different areas and we are excited about his addition to our team.”

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Matt Moore has signed his one-year, $3.043 million tender with the Carolina Panthers, who have declared him the starting quarterback going into training camp.

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The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Kevin Faulk. The versatile 11-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Patriots, helping them win three Super Bowls. The 33-year-old Faulk ran for 335 yards and caught 37 passes for 301 yards and scored three touchdowns last season.

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Dan Snyder’s early verdict on Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen: “Great guys. Lucky to have ‘em.”

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