National Football League

Bucs, Michael Johnson closing in on deal

Published Mar. 11, 2014 11:37 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Ross Jones

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly shop cornerback Darrelle Revis, the team is interested in beefing up its pass rush.

Defensive end Michael Johnson is closing in on a deal with Tampa Bay, according to FOX Sports 1’s Alex Marvez and media reports.

Johnson, 27, is one of the most coveted players in free agency after spending his first five seasons in Cincinnati. With other defensive ends like Greg Hardy (Panthers), Michael Bennett (Seahawks) and Everson Griffen (Vikings) being retained by their teams, the marketplace for the position isn’t as deep as it was once anticipated to be.

Tampa Bay is an attractive place to play under Lovie Smith and Johnson wanted to be there from the beginning, according to FOX Sports 1’s Mike Garafolo.

Johnson would join a defensive line that includes such talents as Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League