Bengals cut rookie quarterback

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

The Cincinnati Bengals today cut quarterback Matt Johnson and replaced him on the roster with former University of Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata.

Johnson signed a rookie contract with the team after going undrafted, and the 5-foot-11 Bowling Green product drew praise from the coaches for his performance at the rookie minicamp May 6-8.

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“I think he’s got great anticipation and a very strong arm,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said after the first practice. “The balls are coming out at a good release point. He’s used to functioning that way. To do that in the NFL, you’re going to have to adjust a bit if he were your quarterback. He’s shown the ability to throw accurate footballs. I thought he did a good job out there.”

The 6-2 Licata appeared in 45 games for the Bulls. He threw for 2,969 yards with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last season.

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