The Cincinnati Bengals Friday signed unrestricted free agent center Rich Braham to a two-year contract. The 34-year-old Braham is a 12-year NFL veteran. He suffered a knee injury during the 2004 season-opener against the New York Jets and sat out three contests. He later sustained another knee problem and was placed on injured reserve on December 18, missing the final three games. "This is an important step in moving forward with our offensive plans for this season," said head coach Marvin Lewis. "Rich and (QB) Carson Palmer have a real comfort level with each other. Rich is a great team player and veteran influence, and we're set to have an excellent competition for the starting center job, a process that's going to make us better." Braham currently ranks second on the Bengals' roster in career NFL starts (125), behind only right tackle Willie Anderson (136).