The Cincinnati Bengals' main concern at the beginning of free agency seemed to be bringing back star safety Jessie Bates by whatever means possible.
They did just that by designating him with the franchise tag. The team’s former second-round pick has not yet signed a long-term deal, but that should be in the works throughout the season.
The Bengals then turned their attention to arguably their weakness unit — the offensive line. In doing so, the Bengals added interior lineman Ted Karras from New England, having been a starting center for the Patriots and Dolphins over the past three seasons.