Washington Qb Huard Signs Free-Agent Deal With Bengals

University of Washington quarterback Damon Huard signed as free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, in what could be “an ideal fit” for the former Puyallup High quarterback.

The Bengals are not exactly flush with quarterbacks. Fourth-year pro Jeff Blake is established as the starter, backed up by veteran reserve Erik Wilhelm and 1995 seventh-round selection John Walsh.

“Erik Wilhelm - I guess I’ve got to go try to beat out a Beaver,” Huard said Monday, referring to the former Oregon State quarterback. “I’m just glad to have a chance. It was looking pretty grim for a while there.”

Huard said his hopes had been raised, perhaps too high, when he received a couple of calls during the draft Sunday from teams as early as the fifth round, “just to let me know I was on their board.”