After four and a half months of an uncertain NFL future, Brian Lainhart will be a Bengal, playing for the team he grew up watching in his hometown of Cincinnati.

The former Flashes standout safety moved from Kent back to Cincinatti last Friday to plan for his football future amid news that the NFL lockout might be ending soon.

On Monday afternoon, with the lockout officially over, Lainhart got word that he would be staying in his hometown even longer. He’ll be reporting to the Bengals at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning.

“It was kind of a surprise for a minute but it’s the best situation for me,”

said Lainhart, who went undrafted and was not allowed to be in contact with any NFL team during the lockout.

“I’m excited. I grew up with the Bengals as my hometown team and to get to play in front of my hometown team is a dream come true.”

Lainhart cannot officially sign a contract until 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, which will be the first time since March 11 that teams will be able to open their facilities, sign free agents and draft picks, and make trades.

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To learn more about what Lainhart did while waiting for the lockout to end, click here.