Defensive end Justin Smith, who has led Cincinnati's line in tackles in each of the last five seasons, was designated as the Bengals' franchise player. Smith would have become an unrestricted free agent March 2 if he doesn't reach a contract agreement with the Bengals before then. The franchise tag means the Bengals could keep Smith by matching any offer sheet he signed with another team. If they choose not to match another offer, the Bengals would get the other team's first-round draft picks in 2007 and 2008 as compensation. He would be guaranteed $8,644,000, the average salary of the top five defensive ends next season. "This move helps us keep our core players together, and it gives us an opportunity to continue negotiating for a longer-term contract with Justin," coach Marvin Lewis.

Even while the star-studded AFC cruised to a comfortable lead in the Pro Bowl, Carson Palmer could sense a wacky finish lurking just beyond everybody's control. "With this much talent, anybody could change the game at any time," the Cincinnati QB said. "You've got to expect something crazy to happen, because it will." Palmer's hunch proved correct in the improbable final minutes -- but thanks to Palmer's poise and a costly NFC penalty, the AFC ended with another win. Nate Kaeding kicked a 21-yard field goal as time expired to cap another strong drive led by Palmer, the MVP of the AFC's 31-28 victory Saturday in the 57th edition of the NFL's all-star game.

Quarterback Doug Johnson agreed to a one-year contract Monday with the Bengals, staying around to be Carson Palmer's backup. Johnson hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL regular-season game since 2004. He signed with the Bengals as a free agent last February, when it was unclear whether Palmer would be recovered from reconstructive knee surgery in time for the season.