CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals have offered a contract to free agent quarterback Gus Frerotte and told him he could compete for the starting job held by Jon Kitna.

The offer proposed to Frerotte is a three-year contract which, including a $500,000 signing bonus, totals about $2.5 million-$2.7 million. Frerotte could earn between $250,000 and $1 million annually in incentives, provided he logged 80 percent of the snaps and the team won at least eight games. To earn the full $1 million, Frerotte would have to participate in 80 percent of the plays and the club would have to win 12 games.

The Bengals have not won even eight games since 1996 and have not enjoyed a winning season since 1990.

A year ago, the Bengals offered four-year contracts to both Frerotte and Kitna, and Kitna was the first to accept. Frerotte signed with the Denver Broncos as a backup to Brian Griese.

Frerotte, 30, who also has played for Washington and Detroit, worked out for the Bengals last week. He told them he would be interested in signing if he were given a chance to compete for the starting job. Otherwise, he said he would focus on re-signing with Denver.

Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Frerotte displayed the same talents as the team's coaches liked a year ago.

"Accuracy, arm strength, team management," Bratkowski said.

Bengals coach Dick LeBeau has told Frerotte he would be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job.

The Bengals did not draft a quarterback this year. That gives them Kitna, who started 15 games in 2001 and threw for 12 touchdowns but 22 interceptions; Akili Smith, who is recovering from hamstring surgery in December; and Scott Covington.

Smith is still rehabilitating his leg and will miss this weekend's mini-camp.

Frerotte had reconstructive surgery on his throwing shoulder Dec. 26. He said he is nearly recovered but still rehabilitates his shoulder twice a week.

Frerotte is entering his ninth NFL season. He threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns in limited action with Denver last season. He was injured in his lone start Dec. 16 against Kansas City and ended the season on injured reserve.

Kitna said he is ready to meet competition for his starting job.

"I'm not real worried about losing my job. It's a never-ending saga," Kitna said. "Ten days ago, I was the guy. Now I'm in a competition."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.