Bengals Tackle Andre Smith Dealing with “Personal Issues”
Nov 27, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith (71) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Browns 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals starting right tackle Andre Smith continues to be absent from the offseason training program, and has now missed all seven OTA practices. According to Bengals.com and head coach Marvin Lewis, he’s told the club he’s dealing with personal issues, and it treamins unclear as to when the Pro Bowl right tackle will be back with the team.
After a long offseason of failed negotiations and the Bengals poised to let Smith walk. Then came the NFL draft and their second-round selection. Most expected it to be Smith’s eventual-replacement, until ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported out of nowhere that the Bengals reached a three-year agreement worth $18 million with Smith.
It appeared that was the end of it, and Smith would happily remain in Cincy for at least three more productive years. Hopefully, that ends up being the case. But with Smith, you always have to worry.
It’s worth noting that Joe Reedy with the Cincinnati Enquirer reported this offseason that there’s $500,000 worth of workout bonuses, which he apparently is already losing out on.
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