Johnson is classified as a fourth-year NFL player in 2017, and the tender makes him a restricted free agent (RFA). He may negotiate with other teams, but the Bengals could retain him by matching any competing signed offer. If Johnson does not sign with another team, he can remain with the Bengals by signing the one-year tender, or by negotiating a longer-term contract.
Johnson (6-4, 300; South Carolina) has made steady progress since signing with the Bengals in 2013 as a seventh-round draft selection. He played in every game in 2016, seeing his highest level of snaps with the offense and starting at LG in the season finale.