TheDailyBlitz.com

With several teams changing to a character-first philosophy, the Cincinnati Bengals are up to their old tricks.

The Bengals have signed free-agent Tank Johnson to a deal believed to be for the league minimum.

"Tank had a good meeting with the Bengals last Thursday and is excited to play for Marvin Lewis, (defensive coordinator) Mike Zimmer and (defensive line coach) Jay Hayes," Johnson's agent, Jerrold Colton, said this afternoon.

Johnson, who was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for eight games in 2007 for a gun violation, played 24 games over the past two seasons with the Cowboys. He has struggled in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, the Bengals use a 4-3 defense.

He also played in a 4-3 defense with the Bears, who drafted him in the second-round in 2004.

The Bengals finished 12th in the NFL in total yards (325.5) allowed per game. However, they ranked only 21st in rushing defense (120.1 ypg).