Remembered this little clip from the the Columbus Dispatch:
The Bengals must decide whether to try and re-sign offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, but team officials know it will cost them to bring him back. With the salary cap increasing, most teams will have money to spend and some figure to throw big offers Steinbach's way. Plus, Cincinnati's situation is complicated by offensive tackle Levi Jones' bad knees.
Jones has missed nine weeks and said he is going to Los Angeles to see a doctor, who might recommend surgery. If Cincinnati re-signs Steinbach and Jones returns, what will the Bengals do with Andrew Whitworth, a second-round draft pick who's worthy of starting? But if the Bengals don't re-sign Steinbach, that means they are counting on Jones.
For that reason, what the Bengals do with Steinbach should be a good indication of how they feel about Jones' status -- although it's still possible Steinbach will decide to leave.
Steinbach likes Cincinnati, but he has done everything the Bengals have asked, is finishing up his rookie deal and apparently would like to cash in big if he can. Even if the Bengals are worried about Jones' status, it's uncertain they will be the team offering the most money.