CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals tendered offers to six players, including linebacker Brandon Johnson, giving them the chance to match any offer in free agency.

Johnson started three times last season after Keith Rivers got hurt. The Bengals would get a second-round pick from any team that signs him.
The Bengals tendered draft-level offers to linebackers Abdul Hodge and Rashad Jeanty, cornerback David Jones, guard Evan Mathis and defensive end Frostee Rucker on Thursday. They would get a pick matching the player’s original round.
Defensive tackle Shaun Smith and tight ends Daniel Coats, J.P. Foschi and Matt Sherry weren’t tendered, allowing them to become free agents.