Tight end Ben Utecht joins the Bengals

CINCINNATI, March 22 (UPI) -- Veteran tight end Ben Utecht officially became a Bengal Saturday when the Indianapolis Colts failed to match Cincinnati's offer sheet.

The restricted free agent signed a three-year offer sheet last Friday and the Colts had a week to match it.

The Indianapolis Star reported the deal will pay him $9 million over three years.

"He is really excited to join the team and make contributions to help make the Bengals a Super Bowl contender," Utecht's agent, Chris Murray, said in a text message to Bengals.com.

Last season in a backup role to starter Dallas Clark, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound University of Minnesota product scored once and had 31 catches for 364 yards.

In six NFL seasons, he has compiled 71 receptions for 800 yards with three touchdowns.

The signing does not require the Bengals to compensate Indianapolis with a draft choice.