It’s official: Bengals bringing back one of their first-round picks

The Bengals drafted tackle Andre Smith sixth overall in 2009, and he went on to play in 82 games with 73 starts during a seven-year career in Cincinnati. Smith battled weight issues and occasional injuries during and never made it to a Pro Bowl. He only played in all 16 games twice in his seven years with the team before signing a free-agent contract with Minnesota in 2016. JAMIE SABAU/GETTY IMAGES

The Bengals drafted tackle Andre Smith sixth overall in 2009, and he went on to play in 82 games with 73 starts during a seven-year career in Cincinnati. Smith battled weight issues and occasional injuries during and never made it to a Pro Bowl. He only played in all 16 games twice in his seven years with the team before signing a free-agent contract with Minnesota in 2016. JAMIE SABAU/GETTY IMAGES
Sports
By John Boyle
March 16, 2017
X

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official today: they’re bringing back offensive lineman Andre Smith.

Smith, an unrestricted free agent, played last year in Minnesota after spending his first seven seasons with the Bengals. A 6-foot-4, 325-pound guard/tackle, Smith played in 69 games with 68 starts over this last five seasons with Cincinnati. The Bengals made the playoffs in each of those seasons.

RELATED: Carlos Dunlap: ‘I don’t see the plan’ after Bengals lose another free agent

Last season Smith started the first four games for the Vikings at right tackle, but suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 4.

“We are excited to have Andre back in Cincinnati,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “He’s a talented player we know and respect. He will bolster our offensive team.”

RELATED: Patriots sign Rex Burkhead

“I’ll play where the team needs me,” Smith said. “I have faith that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Smith was a first-round pick by the Bengals in 2009 out of Alabama. In 2008 he won the Outland Trophy as college football’s top offensive or defensive lineman.

In Other News
1
McCoy: Cincinnati Reds take big lead in 3rd inning, hang on to beat...
2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene takes the next step in his injury...
3
Cincinnati Reds: Two key bats are turning the corner
4
Analysis: Cincinnati Bengals receiving corps can be even stronger in...
5
McCoy: Encarnacion-Strand’s first career grand slam lifts Cincinnati...

About the Author