Report: OT Andre Smith choosing between Vikings and Cardinals
Mar 14, 2016, 4:50 PM | Updated: 11:18 pm
(AP Photo/John Minchillo)
When Bobby Massie signed with the Chicago Bears, the Arizona Cardinals suddenly had a hole to fill at right tackle.
The initial thought was D.J. Humphries, the 24th overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft, would get the nod, but that may not be a lock.
Andre smith just told me he will visit Arizona later this week 50 50 between Vikings and cardinals
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2016
Free-agent tackle Andre Smith on #Vikings visit: "Things went well today. It's between (the Vikings) and Arizona. It's even.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2016
The 29-year-old Smith was the sixth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Alabama by the Cincinnati Bengals, with whom he played the first seven years of his career.
The 6-foot-3, 340-pound lineman was the Bengals’ starter at right tackle for the last five seasons.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, entering Monday Smith was the seventh-best free agent still available.
Analysis: Smith wasn’t always able to stay on the field during seven seasons with the Bengals. He missed 30 of a possible 112 games but is a force when healthy and committed. He was scheduled to visit the Minnesota Vikings over the weekend.
The Cardinals are in an interesting spot with their offensive line. They are set on the left side with Jared Veldheer at tackle and Mike Iupati at guard, but the center, right guard and right tackle positions could all see turnover from the team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season.