Stacy Andrews, designated the Bengals' franchise player in February, signed his one-year tender on Wednesday.
The team is continuing to talk to Andrews about a long-term deal.
"We're happy Stacy is signed in advance of our offseason work," head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement. "This does not preclude our continuing to talk to Stacy and his representatives about reaching a longer-term agreement."
To keep him from leaving via free agency, the Bengals gave Andrews a one-year, $7.455 million contract offer. Any team wanting to pull him away from the Bengals would have had to give up two first-round picks.
Andrews helped anchor an offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks last season. Only New Orleans gave up fewer sacks, surrendering 16 in 2007.
The Bengals have until mid July to work out a long-term deal with Andrews. If no long-term deal is worked out before mid-July, Andrews would have to play out the one-year tender.
Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton was used in this report.