DaytonDailyNews.com

Just when it looked as if the Cincinnati Bengals had hit a home run in trading for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, they apparently struck out on a pitch from the Cleveland Browns.

The Detroit News claimed late Friday night that the Lions' trade of Rogers to the Bengals has been called off.

Michigan-based Booth Newspapers then reported the Browns were set to acquire Rogers from the Lions in exchange for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round draft pick. The Browns need a nose tackle for their 3-4 defense, while Detroit is desperate at cornerback.

The Associated Press, ESPN and the Bengals.com Web site, plus the Lions organization, reported the Bengals-Lions trade was consummated. Rogers was allegedly headed to Cincinnati in exchange for the Bengals' third- and fifth-round picks in April.

But the Bengals held firm in refusing to confirm the trade.

"It's not soup yet," Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said at 6 p.m.

"The teams had mutual interest (in the trade)," said another Bengals' source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "But something's holding it up."

What stopped the deal — Rogers' health, off-the-field issues or contract — is uncertain.

The Bengals saw the 6-foot-4, 345-pounder as the impact player needed to improve their No. 27-ranked defense.

He had 39 tackles (26 solos) and seven sacks last season, including a 66-yard TD return of an interception that he finished with a swan dive into the end zone in a 44-7 victory over Denver.

Rogers was praised as the Lions' defensive MVP after their 6-2 start in 2007, but got blamed for a 1-7 finish that left Detroit (7-9) out of the playoffs.

He was criticized for being overweight and he's still haunted by a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy by testing positive for an illegal dietary supplement in 2006.

Rogers is due to earn $4.25 million this year, $5.25 in 2009 and $7 million in 2010 — all part of a six-year, $46 million extension he signed after the 2004 season.

Losing Rogers brings back bitter memories of Warren Sapp for the Bengals, who felt Sapp used the team as leverage to drive up contract offers from other clubs. Sapp nearly became a Bengal in 2004 only to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

The first day of the NFL's free agency period saw the Bengals lose free safety Madieu Williams, who signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams reunites with Minnesota defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who was the Bengals coordinator in 2004 when the club drafted Williams in the second round out of Maryland.

Williams is known as the player taken with the pick (No. 56 overall) obtained from New England in the trade for tailback Corey Dillon.

His departure opens the door for Marvin White to become the Bengals' starter.

Linebacker Dhani Jones, who agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Bengals, was the club's most pleasant surprise in 2007.

Joining the Bengals on Sept. 19, 2007, after his release from New Orleans, Jones had 111 tackles with two forced fumbles and a sack in 14 games. He started the final eight games at weakside linebacker.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com