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Cincinnati Bengals: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

By Russell S. Baxter

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: Cordy Glenn #77 of the Buffalo Bills blocks Jared Allen #69 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bills defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: Cordy Glenn #77 of the Buffalo Bills blocks Jared Allen #69 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bills defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Chris Baker #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the field after being injured during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Chris Baker #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the field after being injured during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

5. Chris Baker, DT (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

It was thought to be a pretty good move about a year ago. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were looking to beef up the middle of their defensive line. They would ink one-time Washington Redskins’ interior presence Chris Baker to a three-year deal. He played in 15 games and made 14 starts. But it just didn’t work out as planned and after one disappointing season, the veteran was cut loose by the club.

The Cincinnati Bengals were more than willing to scoop up the experienced defender. Baker has played a total of eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Redskins and Bucs. New defensive coordinator Teryl Austin (taking over for Paul Guenther) is hoping that Baker can be the solution paired alongside perennial Pro Bowler Geno Atkins. The team has a lot of young defensive lineman in need of experience and development (more on that later). The 30-year old pro could be a nice solution if he performs at the capabilities.

All told, only the Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Chargers permitted more rushing yards than the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. Baker has an opportunity to bounce back after a disappointing showing a year ago and don’t be surprised if he proves to be an ideal fit in Austin’s defense.

Next: No. 4

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