Seven Million Dollar Difference Separates Bengals and Smith
Aug 07
Don't expect to see Andre Smith in a Cincinnati Bengals uniform any time soon.
Despite the perception that the sixth overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft was now slotted – courtesy of No. 5 pick Mark Sanchez and No. 7 selection Darrius Heyward-Bey reaching agreements with their respective organizations – Go-Bengals.com was informed on Friday that the two sides are still significantly far apart.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told Go-Bengals.com that there's still a near $7 million bridge that needs to be gapped.
Reportedly the Bengals are offering Smith around $5 million less than Heyward-Bey, who recently reached a $38.25 million deal with the Oakland Raiders that guarantees him $23.5 million.
With the possibility looming that Smith's holdout could stretch deep into the preseason, it appears more likely that second-year tackle Anthony Collins will anchor down the right side of the Cincinnati's offensive line when it kicks off its season against the Denver Broncos on September 13.
Collins is expected to start at right tackle during the Bengals' mock game tonight at the team's training camp facility in Georgetown, KY.
Although Collins finished last season at left tackle – a position that more naturally suits his body type – he has appeared to make a near seamless transition to the right side.
Still the Bengals would like to get Smith into camp as soon as possible to help their gifted young lineman get acclimated with the team's offensive scheme and rhythm.
Despite the perception that the sixth overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft was now slotted – courtesy of No. 5 pick Mark Sanchez and No. 7 selection Darrius Heyward-Bey reaching agreements with their respective organizations – Go-Bengals.com was informed on Friday that the two sides are still significantly far apart.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told Go-Bengals.com that there's still a near $7 million bridge that needs to be gapped.
Reportedly the Bengals are offering Smith around $5 million less than Heyward-Bey, who recently reached a $38.25 million deal with the Oakland Raiders that guarantees him $23.5 million.
With the possibility looming that Smith's holdout could stretch deep into the preseason, it appears more likely that second-year tackle Anthony Collins will anchor down the right side of the Cincinnati's offensive line when it kicks off its season against the Denver Broncos on September 13.
Collins is expected to start at right tackle during the Bengals' mock game tonight at the team's training camp facility in Georgetown, KY.
Although Collins finished last season at left tackle – a position that more naturally suits his body type – he has appeared to make a near seamless transition to the right side.
Still the Bengals would like to get Smith into camp as soon as possible to help their gifted young lineman get acclimated with the team's offensive scheme and rhythm.
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