CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals signed defensive tackle Chris Baker to a one-year deal on Thursday, their first free agent acquisition on defense under new coordinator Teryl Austin.
Baker played with Tampa Bay last season after spending six seasons with Washington and one each with Miami and Denver. The Broncos originally signed him as an undrafted free agent from Hampton.
The ninth-year veteran has started 53 games in the past four seasons. He has 12 career sacks.
He’ll get a chance to become part of the Bengals’ rotation on the defensive line.
The defense finished 18th in the NFL in yards allowed last season under coordinator Paul Guenther, who left for the Raiders after the season. Austin was signed from Detroit.
The Bengals biggest offseason needs they must address are linebacker and cornerback on defense and tight end and offensive linemen.
Cincinnati is considering trades that could involve Carlos Dunlap, Darqueze Dennard and  Brandon LaFell because of their contracts although all three proved productive during in the past.