The Bengals will not re-sign free agent LB Thomas Howard, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy.

With the emergence of Vontaze Burfict and the decision to retain Rey Maualuga, the door was closed in Cincinnati on a potential reunion with Howard. After tearing his ACL in Week 2 last season, Howard said his knee is "absolutely fabulous," and he's ready to contribute if given an opportunity. He's been greeted by an extremely cold market so far.

Free agents LB Thomas Howard and OG Lance Louis visited the Dolphins on Thursday.

Miami is completely remaking its linebacker corps. If another linebacker like Howard is signed, there's speculation that WLB Koa Misi could be moved down to defensive end. Howard played in just one game last season before tearing his ACL. Louis also tore his ACL last season in Week 12. He'd be competition for John Jerry and Richie Incognito.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the "conventional wisdom" is that the Bengals will re-sign free agent LB Thomas Howard.

Howard is recovering from a torn ACL, but says his knee is doing "absolutely fabulous," and that he's "right on pace" for 2013. Meanwhile, beat writer Joe Reedy reiterates it would be a "surprise" if MLB Rey Maualuga is re-signed. Vontaze Burfict is expected to take Maualuga's place in the middle.

Impending free agent WLB Thomas Howard (torn ACL) says his knee is "doing absolutely fabulous," and that he's "right on pace" to be ready for 2013.

Bengals WLB Thomas Howard is out for the season after tearing his ACL in Wednesday's practice.

It's a huge loss for Mike Zimmer's defense. Howard was the Bengals' leading tackler last season and their best defender at Baltimore in Week 1, playing all 62 snaps. Core special teamer Dan Skuta is top candidate to take over on the weak side. The 29-year-old Howard was in the final season of a two-year, $6.5 million contract.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis considers WLB Thomas Howard "one of the most athletic linebackers he's ever coached."

Howard led Cincinnati in tackles last season, and his starting spot was solidified when the Bengals traded away Keith Rivers. The 28-year-old Howard is entering a contract season, and may be a candidate for a summer or in-season extension. He's due a $2.4 million base salary in the final year of his deal.

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is projecting Thomas Howard as a weak-side linebacker who will play in nickel packages.

He isn't going to be a starter, then. Keith Rivers is locked in as the Bengals' starting Will 'backer, and Howard apparently isn't being considered as a possible answer at Sam. For now, Cincinnati's starting linebacker corps in camp reads like this: Will -- Rivers, Mike -- Rey Maualuga, Sam -- Dan Skuta. Howard will probably replace Skuta in obvious passing situations.

Bengals agreed to terms with LB Thomas Howard on a two-year, $6.5 million contract.

Howard was a seldom-used reserve for the Raiders last year after being floated in trade rumors in the offseason. He'll try to rehab his image in Cincinnati, where he could push Dan Skuta for the starting strong-side job right away. Howard averaged 101 tackles per season during his first three years in the league.