By JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer
CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Bengals know who they want as Carson Palmer's backup.
Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan was close to getting a multiyear deal from the Bengals on Thursday, said a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn't completed.
Cincinnati would be O'Sullivan's ninth NFL team in the last eight years.
The 29-year-old quarterback was San Francisco's starter the first eight games last season. The 49ers signed veteran quarterback Damon Huard on Wednesday.
The Bengals need a backup because Ryan Fitzpatrick went to Buffalo as a free agent. At a news conference to introduce receiver Laveranues Coles on Thursday, coach Marvin Lewis said another deal was "imminent," an apparent reference to O'Sullivan.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
