Andrews made Bengals' 'franchise player'

CINCINNATI, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews, who could become a free agent at the end of the month, has been designated the franchise player of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The designation means Andrews has the option to play for the Bengals next season at a salary equal to the average of the five highest paid offensive linemen in the NFL.

"Stacy has been a productive young player for us," said Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis. "He has shown the flexibility to start and play well at a number of different positions on our line. This move helps us keep our core players together and it gives us an opportunity to continue negotiating for a longer- term contract with Stacy."

Andrews, entering his fifth NFL season, played in all 16 Bengals games last season. He opened the season at left guard but was moved to right tackle to fill in for the injured Willie Anderson.

If Andrews signs with another team, the Bengals could match that contract and keep the player. If Cincinnati didn't choose to match the deal, the team signing Andrews would have to give the Bengals first-round choices each of the next two drafts.