Andre Smith: Bengals Free Agent Profile

Andre Smith has been a key cog on the Bengals’ offensive line for years, but his time in Cincinnati could be coming to a close.

Andre Smith, right tackle

29 years old, 6’4, 340 pounds

Rotoworld ranking: 5th-ranked tackle (top right tackle) behind Cordy Glenn, Russell Okung, Donald Penn, and Kelvin Beachum)

Agent: Relativity Sports

Notable 2015 information: Member of top run-blocking offensive line in football, held Justin Houston to zero sacks, nine total penalties

The best right tackle on the free agent market, Andre Smith will be a hot commodity throughout the NFL–and the Cincinnati Bengals simply won’t pay for it unless he gives the team a hometown discount–which seems highly unlikely. And even if Cincinnati were to re-sign Smith to a reasonable deal, Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher are ready to earn more snaps. Cincinnati is deep enough to let the big guy walk.

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Last season, backup Cowboys right tackle

Jeremy Parnell

signed a

five-year, $32 million deal

with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Given that several NFL teams will be looking for a capable right tackle (especially those in the AFC West, who have to face Justin Houston and

two times every season), Smith will likely command a lofty salary. Teams like the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and others would be incredibly likely to shell out money for the high-ticket free agent. And from the sound of it, Smith would gladly take a higher salary. He likely won’t give Cincinnati a hometown discount, and while he could join a contender like the Denver Broncos, he’ll likely chase the money. After all, the tackle is in his prime–and he could make the most money of any free agent tackle.

Next: George Iloka: Free Agent Profile

The next step for the Cincinnati Bengals is going to be preparing Ogbuehi and Fisher to compete for Smith’s starting position. While Fisher saw more playing time in 2015, Ogbuehi looks like he’s currently in the lead for the job. He was drafted higher, weighs more, has experience at right tackle and is ready to play. Who wins the competition, however, is a question that won’t be answered for months.