Andre Smith signs with Arizona Cardinals

Former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Andre Smith has signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cincinnati Bengals made a trade for Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cordy Glenn resulting in tackle Andre Smith’s future no longer being with the team. The team bringing in Glenn for $9 million this year and adding tackle Bobby Hart earlier.  Smith signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals right after free agency period opened for $8 million but could be worth $10.2 million per Adam Schefter.

Smith was a first-round pick for the Bengals in 2009 and played in 95 games for the team, starting in 81. He left to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 being placed on injured reserve in week 4. With the intent of moving him to guard, the Bengals signed Smith in 2017 but moving him to the backup tackle position. Smith started in 8 games after offensive tackle Jake Fisher was placed on injured reserve for a heart condition.

The once number six overall pick for the Bengals will find himself as a versatile option behind Arizona tackles D.J. Humphries and Jared Veldheer. The Cardinals have been busy the last couple of days bringing in quarterback Sam Bradford and releasing safety Tyrann Mathieu. With the injury history of Bradford, it makes a lot of sense bringing in Smith who may not be in his prime anymore but still a viable tackle to help keep Bradford healthy.

Next: Bengals should make a move for Tyrann Mathieu

Cincinnati will likely find a cheaper option for depth at the tackle position this offseason. They also still hold 11 draft picks in the upcoming draft to find someone to add to their offensive line group. Look for a depth signing or draft pick to help increase the depth of a line that needs all the help it can get.