Offensive tackle Andre Smith has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings worth $4.5 million, according to a post on Smith’s Twitter.
Minneapolis here I come…Excited to join the great Vikings organization today on a 1-yr deal!!#SKOLVikings!! pic.twitter.com/yKTg2OA7TC
— Andre Smith (@BigSmitty71) March 17, 2016
Only $1 million is guaranteed to Smith, who had spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals prior to signing with the Vikings, but this is a smart deal for Minnesota. Smith, 29, was limited to nine games last season due to injuries and has had problems with conditioning throughout his career ever since being drafted sixth overall out of Alabama in 2009. He will likely continue playing right tackle in Minnesota, with last year’s starter Phil Loadholt likely being relegated to backup duty if not released outright.
But the good news is that the Vikings have continued to upgrade their offensive line, having signed former San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone on top of Smith, so quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should have much more protection and thus be more effective in 2016.
And for the price that Andre Smith is being paid, the investment will be well worth it.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
