After the team gave kicker Shayne Graham the franchise tag, Lewis said: "We will continue to talk with several of our other pending free agents in an ongoing attempt to re-sign them. Some will want to test their value in the market, and we of course will look at the market for possible new players.

"But as I've said before, the best value for all sides tends to be when a team re-signs its own key free agents, and we will make every attempt to re-sign the players we consider most important for 2009."

FRANCHISE PLAYER: PK Shayne Graham: Tendered at $2.483M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OT Stacy Andrews was given the franchise tag by the Bengals last year and showed improvement before a knee injury in Week 16. The team is negotiating to re-sign him.

--RB Cedric Benson had three 100-yard games in the four Bengals' wins after being signed in early October. Has expressed an interest in returning.

--LB/DE Darryl Blackstock started four games last season but is thought to be an average tackler. The one advantage that he does have is his versatility.

--S Chris Crocker took over as a starter in Week 11 and is extremely physical, especially on the short routes. He definitely fits into Mike Zimmer's future plans.

--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick became the starter after Carson Palmer injured his elbow. The offense struggled as he threw eight touchdowns against nine interceptions. He still would provide a nice insurance policy as a backup.

--CB Jamar Fletcher signed with the Bengals after Week 3 and made two starts. He is best suited as a nickel corner.

--C Eric Ghiaciuc started all 16 games for the first time in his career. He is a good pass blocker but has been overmatched against nose tackles in the AFC North.

--WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the top free agent at his position. He has three straight seasons of at least 90 catches and is a very good short- to medium-route receiver. If the Bengals don't use the franchise tag on him, he's gone.

--DT John Thornton has been one of the emotional leaders of the defense during his six-year stay with the club. With the Bengals wanting to get more aggressive pass rushers on the line, it is doubtful he will return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--S John Busing saw most of his action on special teams and limited action in the secondary.

--RB DeDe Dorsey missed most of the season after suffering a hamstring injury. He's a good outside runner who provides a nice change of pace and also excels on special teams. Not an every down back but a good option as a backup.

--WR Glenn Holt was the Bengals' top kick returner for most of the season and was the fourth receiver on multiple sets.

--LB Rashad Jeanty made 15 starts and was fourth on the team in tackles and second on special teams. He is a disruptive pass rusher and good tackler, which would make him a priority to re-sign.

--LB Brandon Johnson started the last nine games after rookie Keith Rivers was injured and was second on the team in tackles. He is very quick and an effective pass rusher. He would also be a good option to re-sign.

--LB Corey Mays played primarily on special teams but made an impact on defense in the Week 15 game against Washington with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--DT Orien Harris saw occasional duty on the defensive line and made one start.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--P Ryan Plackemeier (waivers Redskins).

PLAYERS LOST: None

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--FB/TE Daniel Coats: Potential ERFA; terms unknown.