Jan 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith (71) blocks Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) during the fourth quarter of the 2011 AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US Presswire

Andre Smith had found himself in an interesting position up until this point in the off-season. Then again, so have the Cincinnati Bengals.

After ranking as the best overall starting right tackle in the NFL and seeing the lofty franchise tag placed on Cincinnati’s DE Michael Johnson, Smith demanded a high price for his services to remain in the Queen City.

In this case, high price is the equivalent a contract worth about $9 million per year.

An amount the Bengals were rightfully wary to grant him, for two reasons.

The first can be seen at a surface glance. $9 million is a lot of money for just one year, for one player. To put it into perspective, newly-signed, veteran linebacker James Harrison will make a total of $4.45 million in his two-year deal with the Bengals.

The other reason the Bengals didn’t want to give the 6-4, 335 pound big man such a hefty sum of money was perhaps the same reason he wasn’t picked up by another team, as contract talks with he and the Bengals became sparse last month.

Oct 9, 2011; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith (71) looks up at the scoreboard during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals want to become a consistent winner and rise into the upper echelon of the NFL. After back-to-back playoff appearances and keeping the core of those teams intact, there’s no reason they can’t accomplish that goal, with or without Andre Smith. The disgruntled offensive tackle continues to demand a long-term deal that on one is willing to offer him, and it’s led to speculation his days with the Bengals could be nearing an end:

As one league source explains it, the Bengals are now inclined to see if they can find a cheaper and younger replacement for Smith via the draft. If the Bengals can, they’ll possibly pull the plug on efforts to re-sign Smith, a first-round pick in 2009.

December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Benjamin Watson (82) runs after a pass reception and stiff arms Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This article is going to address a subject that many Cleveland fans are already aware of. It’s also going to address a subject that will make nearly everyone else laugh.

This article is about the emergence of the Cleveland Browns, and by no means should you be laughing.

The last decade (besides 2007‘s 10-6 finish) has certainly not been kind to the Browns or their fans, as the team is repeatedly picked for a high first round draft pick.

However, their quarterback Brandon Weeden showed some sparks of his potential last season, and when he was healthy, Trent Richardson proved his value in the backfield.

Their defense lacked a bit in terms of yards allowed, but was fairly strong when it counted, limiting red zone touchdowns.

Free Agency brought the loss of receiver and star punt-returner Josh Cribbs, as he will be an Arizona Cardinal next year. However, Free Agency has also brought a plethora of good news for Browns fans, as the higher-ups not only realize they have some money, but are willing to spend it. That’s an exciting sentiment, and one not shared by the people of Cincinnati.

The former defensive star from Baltimore, Paul Kruger will be playing for the Browns next season.

They signed Desmond Bryant and OLB Quentin Groves as well, adding key additions to a front seven that was dangerous to begin with. Both will likely help to bolster the Browns’ pass rush in 2013.

The team also signed TE Gary Barnidge, formerly with the Carolina Panthers.