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But Thompson is recovering from an ACL injury, and Sims gives the Bengals a player who is familiar with the system and inexpensive.
“I have always liked the kind of play Pat brings, so it’s great to have him sticking with us,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “Everyone knows he’s a big, strong guy. He’s stout presence in the middle. But also, he understands our system, which is very important to me and the entire defense.”
Sims was the team’s third-round pick in 2008 and played for the Bengals for five seasons before signing in Oakland.
He has appeared in 68 games in Cincinnati with 23 starts. Sims has 195 tackles, five sack and an interception. Including his time in Oakland, Sims has played 100 games with 41 starts.
Sims is the fourth defensive free agent the Bengals have re-signing, joining cornerback Adam Jones, safety George Iloka and linebacker Vinny Rey.
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