The Arizona Cardinals desperately needed to upgrade their offensive line, especially after signing the immobile Sam Bradford in free agency. They hope they have done that by bringing in offensive tackle Andre Smith, who started eight games for the Cincinnati Bengals last year.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Smith is signing a two-year deal worth $8 million, which could be worth up to $10.2 million.
Former Bengals’ OT Andre Smith is signing a two-year, $8 million deal that could be worth up to $10.2 million with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Smith has made 85 starts since being selected No. 6 overall by Cincinnati in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Alabama. However, he’s struggled with weight issues during his career and suffered a season-ending injury in his lone campaign with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2016, appearing in just four games.
No doubt that’s how general manager Steve Keim was able to land such a cheap contract for the former first-round pick, who has never truly lived up to his draft slot.