AP source: Bengals reach deal with WR Coles

[March 05, 2009]  CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Bengals moved quickly to replace departed receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, reaching a contract agreement Wednesday with former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles.

The four-year deal was completed late Wednesday afternoon, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't made an official announcement. ESPN reported the deal is worth $28 million.

Houshmandzadeh left for the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, costing the Bengals their top receiver. They want to replace him with Coles, a 31-year-old receiver who was released by the Jets a week ago. He caught 70 passes last season.

Coles also visited Buffalo last week, but chose to come to Cincinnati, where he'll be the No. 2 receiver behind Chad Ocho Cinco.

[Associated Press; By JOE KAY]

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