CINCINNATI, April 20 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals Tuesday signed quarterback Jon Kitna to a one-year contract extension through 2005.
The veteran Kitna, who started every game last season, is expected to back up Carson Palmer when the 2004 season starts.
The Bengals announced last month that Palmer, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2002, would be the starter.
"I am looking forward to doing everything I can to make Carson's season go smoothly," Kitna said.
Kitna completed 324 of 520 passes for 3,591 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. The Bengals finished with an 8-8 record, two games behind first-place Baltimore in the AFC North.
Kitna, a former Seattle Seahawk, will be in his fourth season with Cincinnati.
"This solidifies Jon's position with the Bengals and brings stability and depth to the quarterback position," Coach Marvin Lewis said. "He is not only a very good player, he is one of our most positive team leaders."
