The Cincinnati Bengals have linked up with free agent defensive tackle Chris Baker on a one-year deal, going to work on a line that needs some help next to Geno Atkins.

While the Bengals have upside players in Andrew Billings and Ryan Glasgow, Baker is a known commodity in the locker room and arrives looking to prove himself after a down year in a new locale.

Those connections, as well as a few other details, make for an interesting conversation, so let’s take a look.

Bengals connections run deep

Baker knows all about Bengals coaches.

In Washington, where he spent the best years of his career to date, Baker worked with Bengals defensive line coach Jacob Burney and current Bengals linebacker coach Jim Haslett.

At the time, Haslett oversaw the entire Washington unit as the defensive coordinator. In other words, it’s no coincidence the Redskins liked the former undrafted prospect after he bounced around for a few years, and it’s no surprise the Bengals like him now.

As most do, Baker likely also knows a thing or two about Marvin Lewis, a guy known for helping rehab careers.