BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Bengals must decide whether offensive lineman Rich Braham, who played more snaps for them than anyone last season, will play for them at all in 1997.
Braham received a three-year offer from the New England Patriots, who beat Monday's 11:59 p.m. deadline for making bids to restricted free agents.
The Bengals have the option of matching New England's offer or bidding Braham farewell and receiving a third-round draft choice as compensation.
Because the NFL's annual college draft begins Saturday, Cincinnati, which was believed to offer Braham the one-year minimum of $361,000 for veterans, must choose by 11;59 p.m. Friday.
Braham, 26, marked his first full year as a starter by participating in 99.4 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps (1,081 of 1,088). He started the first three games at center before moving to left guard when Darrick Brilz returned to the lineup from a foot injury.
Braham's versatility prompted New England's interest.
''He's just starting to come into his own,'' said Vern Sharbaugh, Braham's agent.
The Bengals' most significant restricted free agent, wide receiver Darnay Scott, apparently attracted no offers.
Restricted free agents rarely change teams, because of clubs' reluctance to part with draft compensation. But the Patriots' gained an extra third-round selection from the New York Jets when they hired former New England coach Bill Parcells.
Cincinnati's other unsigned restricted free agents are fullback Jeff Cothran, defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen and safety Bracey Walker. The Bengals regained exclusive rights to them and Scott as Monday ended.
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