Free agent LB Brandon Johnson worked out for the Patriots on Monday. Johnson, 30, appeared in 14 games for the Steelers in 2012, making ten tackles as a pure special teams player. He does have 16 career starts under his belt from his time with the Bengals. Johnson would provide veteran depth.

Steelers signed LB Brandon Johnson, formerly of the Bengals. Johnson spent the past four seasons with the Bengals as one of the league's top reserve linebackers and special teamers. He'll play the same role in Pittsburgh, adding depth inside following James Farrior's exit.

Free agent LB Brandon Johnson is visiting the Steelers on Wednesday. The Pittsburgh-Cincinnati pipeline has traditionally run the opposite direction -- downstream. A top reserve the past few seasons, Johnson would provide insurance inside for the Steelers after cutting ties with James Farrior.

Bengals re-signed LB Brandon Johnson. Re-signing Johnson became a greater priority for Cincinnati after Roddrick Muckelroy ruptured his Achilles on Saturday. He doesn't have a clear path to starting role after the Bengals signed Manny Lawson on Tuesday, but should still see plenty of snaps this season.

Bengals.com confirms the team would like to re-sign free agent LB Brandon Johnson and DL Jonathan Fanene. Both players have been key cogs in Mike Zimmer's nickel defense. A top reserve the past couple of years, Johnson may be seeking a starting job on the open market. Installing him as the strong-side linebacker in Cincy makes more sense than pushing special teamer Dan Skuta into the role.

Free agent LB Brandon Johnson is the latest player to say he's been enjoying the lockout. "I'm actually kind of enjoying my time off," he said. "I get a lot of family time in, I get to kick it with my friends, get do a lot of traveling. I don't have to spend eight hours at the stadium." Somebody will be getting a call from the former NFLPA, and possibly quoted in court by the NFL's lawyers later this summer.