Tight end Ken Dilger's new three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doesn't change the Bengals' plans for this weekend's NFL draft or the remainder of the free agent signing period.

        Dilger, released Feb.21 by the Colts for salary cap reasons, had visited Cincinnati, but the Bengals quickly lost interest. There were league-wide concerns about the health of Dilger's knees because he played for years on the RCA Dome's artificial turf.

        “We hadn't pursued him. For one, he is the same age as Tony McGee,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. McGee, the Bengals' starting tight end, will be 31 Sunday.

        Dilger was being pursued by the Seahawks, Cowboys and Bears. The Buccaneers didn't release financial terms of his contract, but he took what is reportedly a lesser deal to play for the Bucs and new coach Jon Gruden.

        Bengals officials say there are a half-dozen tight ends in the draft who could start in the NFL. Miami's Jeremy Shockey is considered the best one available, and he could still be on the board when the Bengals draft at No.10 overall.

        The Bengals want more production from their tight ends, who had just 29 receptions in 2001.

        COMING TO TERMS: Three Bengals restricted free agents have agreed to terms on one-year tender offers from the team.

        Safeties Cory Hall and JoJuan Armour and fullback-tight end Nick Williams are in the process of signing the papers via fax machine, Bengals player personnel director Jim Lippincott said.

Bengals take CB Buchanon in Enquirer's mock draft Bengals could fill several needs in draft Dilger's deal with Bucs doesn't affect draft Rackers trial set for June 10 Ex-Bengals bash Cincinnati

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