The Cincinnati Bengals were one of 13 teams awarded extra draft picks Monday evening as part of the NFL's formula to compensate franchises who lose more or better free agents than it acquired the previous years.
The Bengals received a third-round pick (No. 99 overall) for the loss of defensive Michael Johnson and a fourth-round pick (135 overall) for offensive tackle Anthony Collins as part of the complicated loss-gain formula that involves salary and performance among other factors.
Both Johnson and Collins were cut by Tampa Bay a few weeks ago, with Johnson re-signing with the Bengals on March 15.
Johnson came into the league as a compensatory third-round pick in 2009. And while he again will be playing in the place where he began his career after signing a new four-year, $20 million contract with the Bengals, he also will receive $7 million from Tampa Bay as part of the guaranteed money in the five-year, $43 million deal he signed with the Buccaneers last spring.
Each year the NFL awards up to 32 compensatory picks, which can be no higher than the third round. The Bengals were one of 10 teams who received multiple selections this year. Denver, Kansas City and Seattle received the most with four, while Baltimore and Houston were awarded three.
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Cincinnati, Carolina, Green Bay, New England and San Francisco received two, and Arizona, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis got one.
Since the NFL instituted the compensatory program in 1994, the Bengals have received 24 extra picks, which is tied for 11th most. Baltimore leads the league with 44.
In addition to Johnson, other Bengals on the current roster who were acquired with compensatory picks are wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (third round, 2012), defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (third round, 2012), cornerback Brandon Ghee (third round, 2010) and defensive tackle Geno Atkins (fourth round, 2010).