Report: Andre Smith Signs With Vikings
Brett Anderson
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Former Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith tweeted this morning that he has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Smith, who was also meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, said in his tweet that the contract is a one year deal.
The Vikings hosted Smith for a visit this past Sunday but were not able to come to an agreement during his stay, leaving many wondering whether or not a deal would get done. Head coach Mike Zimmer knows Smith well from his time in Cincinnati and this signing is another example of his desire to add players he’s already familiar with from his time with the Bengals.
Minneapolis here I come…Excited to join the great Vikings organization today on a 1-yr deal!!#SKOLVikings!! pic.twitter.com/yKTg2OA7TC
— Andre Smith (@BigSmitty71) March 17, 2016
The Vikings have seemed to zero in on the offensive line as one of their primary focuses so far this offseason. Re-signing Mike Harris, bringing in offensive guard Alex Boone from the 49ers and the addition of Smith to the team make it clear the Vikings understand the importance of protecting Teddy Bridgewater.
Andre Smith, 29 years old, was drafted in the first round with the sixth pick in the 2009 draft. He has spent his entire NFL career to this point with the Bengals, the team that drafted him.
According to Ian Rapoport, Smith’s contract is for one year at $3.5 million with the ability to increase to $4.5 million through incentives.
It is expected Smith will battle with veteran tackle Phil Loadholt in training camp for the starting right tackle position.