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The Bengals may not be breaking the bank in free agency, but they’re taking steps to try to keep much of their team together, presumably at bargain prices.

The latest guy to choose to stay is defensive tackle Pat Sims, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

A key member of the rotation, Sims has spent four years with the Bengals. He appeared in only 11 games last year due to a late-season ankle injury, with one start.

Sims wanted to test the market, and he did. Now that the market officially has softened, look for guys like Sims to get what they can, possibly via short-term deals that will give them a chance to test the market again in the not-too-distant future.

Since March 13, the Bengals have kept safety Reggie Nelson, cornerback Pacman Jones, and tackle Anthony Collins. The team has added defensive end Derrick Harvey, tackle Travelle Wharton, defensive end Jamaal Anderson, safety Jason Allen, and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Gone are receiver Andre Caldwell, defensive end Frostee Rucker, guard Nate Livings, defensive end Jonathan Fanene, and center Mike McGlynn.

Among the still-available 2011 Bengals are linebacker Manny Lawson, tight end Bo Scaife, and receiver Jerome Simpson.