Muckraker Mike, now in spiffy new digs at NBC, passes along an anonymously sourced report that the Cincinnati Bengals will open talks this week with first-round pick Andre Smith and his agent, Alvin Keels. Over at the official site, Geoff Hobson agrees that things should start heating up “in the next week or so” and predicts that any snags will likely be over incentives and escalators, not total money. And indeed, that’s been the case in a number of previous negotiations.
But…no sense in borrowing trouble ahead of time. And as I’ve written before, I’m not overly concerned thanks to the presence of Anthony Collins, whose performance at left tackle last season suggests he can handle the right side if need be. Still, it’s been a nice, calm and largely distraction-free offseason in Cincy, and the less drama surrounding Smith, the better.
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Because we have Mr. Anthony Collins, Mike Brown has the opportunity to stick to his guns. For once, I would be supportive of an incentive laden contract that management would request. Give the breaks to Rey & MJ. Take a chance on them. With money based on performance for Andre, he will be encouraged to develop professional habits that will give a great opportunity for Pro-Bowl development and beyond. I wanted the Bengals to pick Andre Smith at #6 and I want them to take the correct steps to nurture this gifted talent.
My sentiments exactly. I want to see Smith in camp on time, and I’d even be willing relax my normally stringent negotiating stance, but for once the Bengals have options. Smith will get in eventually and I have no doubt he will be very good in a short time…but in the meantime, I think Collins can hold the fort just fine.