[Stardust]

After losing T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks on Monday, the Bengals hope they have found his replacement: Laveranues Coles.


The Bengals and Coles have reached an agreement in principle on a four-year, $28 million contract. Both sides are still working out language and fine terms with the contract. The deal could be officially announced by the team later tonight or tomorrow morning. Coles is expected to be in town and formally introduced tomorrow.

Coles will be entering his 10th season in the league. He was drafted by the Jets in the third round in 2000. He went to the Redskins in 2003 for two seasons before being traded back to the Jets. This past season he had 70 receptions for 850 yards and seven touchdowns.

After being released by the Jets last week, Coles visited the Bills on Friday. The Dolphins expressed some interest but backed off, mainly because they thought Coles was a No. 2 receiver and he would slow the development of Ted Ginn Jr.

Coles had a one-year offer of $6 million on the table, but turned it down. Based on the Bengals' offer, he could be making $7 million per season.

During a press conference officially announcing the signing of Cedric Benson, coach Marvin Lewis hinted at a possible signing of Coles.

"We're working very diligently to maybe upgrade us in some areas," Lewis said.

When asked if that meant Coles or other players, he said: "Soon. Imminent."

In a span of 26 hours, the Bengals have shored up two areas of need. They re-signed Benson yesterday and have an agreement with Coles today.

The move also gives the Bengals two starting receivers with more than 500 career receptions in Coles and Chad Ocho Cinco.
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...tegory=SPT