Bengals Banter: Franchise Tag, MJ's Return, & Youth is Served

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

Pro Football Focus broke down every free agent who deserved the franchise tag, and coming in as a “Slam Dunk” was Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith:

"Smith has certainly come a long way since running shirtless at the combine and earning a -14.7 PFF grade over his first two seasons. He was the best right tackle in the NFL this year, excelling in the run game and earning a starting spot on our All-Pro team. Getting arrested for trying to bring a gun on an airplane is not the ideal way to head into free agency, but Smith’s talent (and the Bengals’ cap space) makes it unlikely that Cincinnati will let him get away."