CINCINNATI, March 8 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals Saturday signed free agent defensive tackle John Thornton, a starter with the Tennessee Titans for the last three seasons, to a six-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Thornton is the third addition by new Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis, a longtime defensive coordinator, and second in as many days following linebacker Kevin Hardy.
"I want to commend our entire organization for making this happen and getting us two very good players this weekend," Lewis said. "(Defensive coordinator) Leslie Frazier and (linebackers coach) Ricky Hunley did some great work for us and our front office put together deals that made it all work."
Hardy played for the Dallas Cowboys last season and has 21 sacks over the last four years.
On March 2, Cincinnati signed free agent defensive tackle Carl Powell, who played last season with Washington, where Lewis was the defensive coordinator.
The 26-year-old Thornton started 14 games at left defensive tackle and two at right end last season and recorded 44 tackles, two sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.
"We believe he's just coming into his own," Lewis said. "He's got a tremendous upside and can give us stability on our defensive line for a long time."
A second-round pick in 1999, Thornton has 10 1/2 career sacks.
