Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson visited Carolina Thursday and the Panthers look ready to make a big push to sign him Friday.

But his people have also been talking to the Bengals since NFL free agency began last week in what looks to be a situation that is going to be resolved by the weekend.

The Panthers may be prepared to make Johnson a starter since he's the most high profile free agent that has visited Charlotte. They may be trying to find a replacement for Na'il Diggs, an eight-year veteran who turns 30 before the season. Diggs is the starting weak-side linebacker next to two first-round draft picks in middle linebacker Jon Beason and strong-side backer Thomas Davis.

No deal looked to be imminent in the wake of Colts tight end Ben Utecht's visit to Cincinnati Thursday.

No deal is percolating for Patriots safety Eugene Wilson. Wilson's agent, Jim Sims, indicated Thursday his client may be close to wrapping up his visits with a stop in Tennessee. He's also visited the Buccaneers, Steelers and Jets. Sims says he has offers from several teams, but not from the Bengals and has yet to line up a visit to Cincinnati.

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