Smith Signs With Bengals

Former UA offensive lineman inks deal with Cincinnati. ESPN reports a 4 year $26 million contract with $21 million guaranteed

By: Michael Snowden | WKRG-TV
Published: August 30, 2009

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CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bengals have finally signed top draft pick
Andre Smith after a long contract impasse that became a subject of
derision among teammates.
The Bengals had originally planned to have Smith start at right
tackle, but he has missed all of training camp and three preseason
games. They confirmed his signing Sunday on their Web site shortly
before the start of practice.
Smith, the sixth overall pick, was the highest unsigned NFL pick
with one week left in the preseason. The Bengals had insisted on
paying him less than a player taken later in the draft, Oakland's
Darrius Heyward-Bey. HBO's "Hard Knocks" episode last Wednesday
showed teammates mocking Smith's weight during the team's annual
rookie skits.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)