CINCINNATI (March 16, 2005) -- The Cincinnati Bengals signed running back Rudi Johnson to a five-year contract, a year after he set the team's single-season record for rushing yardage.
The contract replaces a one-year, $6.3 million deal Johnson signed on March 7 after he was designated the team's franchise player on Feb. 15. Terms of the new contract weren't disclosed. He was paid $1.8 million in 2004.
Johnson set a Bengals record last season with 1,454 yards rushing.
"He has been a very productive player, as well as a winning person, for our football team. He's to be commended for his part in keeping the core of our offensive unit together," coach Marvin Lewis said.
Johnson joins three other key offensive players -- quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh -- who are signed with the team through at least 2008.
Johnson's rushing total in 2004 broke the Bengals' record of 1,435 yards set by Corey Dillon in 2000. Johnson also had 361 carries in 2004, beating the mark of 340 Dillon posted in 2001.
Johnson tied the team record for 100-yard rushing games in a season with five and led the Bengals in touchdowns with 12.
