Minter, Benwikere quietly blending into Bengals defense

(Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)The Cincinnati Bengals are not one to make “splashes” on the unrestricted free agent market. They re-sign or extend their own (see Dre Kirkpatrick), or dip back into pools they’re familiar with (see Andre Smith, Wallace Gilberry).

Occasionally, they venture into the unknown.

Last year, the Bengals hit on wide receiver Brandon LaFell, and re-signed him to a two-year deal this offseason. Linebacker Karlos Dansby played in all 16 games and led the team in tackles, but his age showed in areas and he eventually returned to Arizona.

This offseason, the Bengals made two relatively quiet moves to bolster a defense that finished eighth in the league in scoring but…