National Football League

Michael Johnson inks franchise tender

Published Mar. 15, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

The third of eight players given a franchise tag this offseason has re-signed with his current team.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson has inked his one-year, $11.2 million contract tender. Johnson’s agent announced the news Friday on Twitter.

Johnson, 26, is coming off his best season with the Bengals. He notched 11.5 sacks in 2012, which matched Johnson’s total from his previous three seasons combined.

The Bengals have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract extension with Johnson. If a deal can’t be reached, a new contract can’t be signed until the start of the 2014 offseason.

Dallas outside linebacker/defensive end Anthony Spencer and Chicago defensive tackle Henry Melton signed their franchise tenders earlier this week. Unsigned franchise players are Miami defensive tackle Randy Starks, Indianapolis punter Pat McAfee, Denver left tackle Ryan Clady, Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd and Kansas City left tackle Branden Albert.