BENGALS Fullback Johnson gets six-year pact

Cincinnati originally agreed to one year, but Johnson pushed for more.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Fullback Jeremi Johnson got a six-year contract Friday from the Cincinnati Bengals, who value his blocking and versatility.
Johnson, a three-year starter, was a restricted free agent before he signed a one-year, $712,000 deal on Thursday. He wanted to stay in Cincinnati long-term, and had agent Peter Schaffer continue negotiations.
The new deal replaces his 2006 contract and adds five more years, keeping him signed through 2011. He'll get an average of $1.5 million per year.
"He pushed very hard to get this done," coach Marvin Lewis said.
Top blocker
Johnson was a fourth-round pick from Western Kentucky in 2003. He has been Rudi Johnson's primary blocker, helping him run for more than 2,900 yards over the last two seasons.
He also carried eight times for 14 yards last season, and caught 12 passes for 65 yards and three touchdowns.
"It's my first home," Johnson said, an hour after signing the deal at Paul Brown Stadium. "I'm in the first [draft] class of Coach Lewis. That's a special group. I take pride in being in his first class.
"I grew up down the road. I've been watching the Bengals -- that's the only professional team I've been around my whole life. Basically, you can say it's like a dream come true to have a whole career here."
Rudi Johnson happy
Rudi Johnson was glad the team committed to keeping his lead blocker around.
"He's happy and I'm happy," Rudi Johnson said, following a workout at the stadium Friday.
Rudi Johnson gets most of the carries, and Chris Perry -- the Bengals' No. 1 pick in 2004 -- has developed into their top pass catcher out of the backfield. Lewis thinks Jeremi Johnson fills an important role.
"He gives us a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield," Lewis said. "He's always been a fantastic blocker. We have game-planned some things for him in the offense."
Lewis also said Friday that the Bengals remain interested in linebacker LaVar Arrington, who agreed last month to give up $4.4 million on his contract in order to leave the Washington Redskins as a free agent.