Cincinnati ready for life after Dillon
If Rudi Johnson fails to recapture his 2003 magic, the Bengals will be left with a huge hole at running back.
Updated: June 1, 2004, 3:46 PM ET
By Darrell Trimble | NFL Insider
For years, running back Corey Dillon has been begging and pleading to get
out of Cincinnati. He finally got his wish Monday when the Bengals traded
the talented but disgruntled star to the New England Patriots.

Johnson
The move looks like a winner for both teams. Though they won the Super Bowl,
the Patriots lacked a consistent rushing attack. Dillon gives them a feature
back that still has tread on his tires. The Bengals saved $1.3 million in the process. But there
is a risk involved in the deal and it could be one that eventually defines
the tenure of coach Marvin Lewis.

Johnson
Lewis had little choice in the matter. Dillon had been hyper-critical of teammates and ownership and recently went so far as to call offensive lineman Willie Anderson a bum on national television. Dillon also said he would not return to the Bengals and share time with Rudi Johnson -- "Cause Rudi ain't Corey Dillon."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
-
ESPN The Magazine subscribers
-
Need more information?
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NFL HEADLINES
- Crabtree has surgery for torn Achillies
- Urlacher retiring from NFL after 13 seasons
- Jets' Smith picks Jay-Z's agency to rep him
- Giants open OTAs minus WRs Cruz, Nicks
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
ALSO SEE
- Bowen: 5 second-year breakout candidates
- Edwards: The NFL's all-time Top 20 coaches
- Tuley: Best early-season win-total bets
- Red Flags: NFC East | North | South | West
- Kiper: 2014 Big Board | Top TEs | OLBs | ILBs

