The Cincinnati Bengals, convinced they will not be a viable contender for the services of free agent Sam Adams, took their search for defensive tackle depth in another direction on Monday.

The Bengals signed Pernell Davis, one of the few unfettered prospects from NFL Europe, to a two-year contract. Davis, one of the NFL Europe League's top run defenders during his springtime stint with the Scottish Claymores, will receive base salaries of $300,000 for this season and $380,000 for 2003. The deal does not include a signing bonus.

Because so many NFL Europe players are now allocated, and under contract to the teams that send them overseas to gain playing time, there are fewer free agent prospects. Davis was regarded, however, as one of a handful of players uncommitted for training camp who has a legitimate chance to win a backup job.

"He's a big body we need," said Bengals personnel chief Jim Lippincott. "He's a strong guy who plays with effort and will chase plays. He is mainly a run stopper, but he can push the pocket for you some."

Davis, 26, recorded 19 tackles and one sack for the Claymores this spring.

Davis, who played collegiately at Alabama-Birmingham, will vie for a backup job behind starters Tony Williams and Oliver Gibson. The Bengals have been looking for a wide-body run-stuffer and, at 6-feet-2 and 336 pounds, Davis might fill that role. His presence will permit some of the team's "swing" linemen, like Bernard Whittington and Glen Steele, to concentrate on playing end. It also provides depth and flexibility for a solid and underrated unit.

Adding Davis ostensibly removes the Bengals from the chase for Adams, the Baltimore Ravens star, who is one of the premier players remaining in free agency. Cincinnati was one of about a half-dozen teams pursuing Adams, who probably won't sign a contract until next month.

It also signals that the Bengals will invest their money in trying to extend the contracts of star linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons, while perhaps adding a veteran wide receiver.

Davis originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 draft. He played two games for Philadelphia as a rookie, spent 2000 on the injured reserve list and was on the Eagles' practice squad for 2001.

It is believed New Orleans also attempted to sign Davis in the last few days.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.