The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed Rey Maualuga on Monday morning, freeing them up to move on to their "next priority," re-signing right tackle Andre Smith, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Bengals rumors: Andre Smith is reportedly ‘next priority’ for Cincinnati
Smith made all 16 starts at right tackle for the Bengals in 2012 and drew rave reviews for his performance.
Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
Cincy Jungle: What Marvin Lewis said about Andre Smith
Smith, 26, was the sixth overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, but didn’t become a full-time starter until the 2011 season when he took over at right tackle. In 2012, he made all 16 starts for the Bengals at right tackle and was named a first-team All-Pro by football grading website, Pro Football Focus.
One reason for the delay to re-sign Smith was the wait for free-agent left tackle Jake Long to set the market for offensive tackles. Early Monday morning, it was reported that Long agreed to a four-year deal worth $36 million, meaning that Smith is likely to get a contract in that neighborhood, although he is a right tackle, which is valued a bit lower.
Earlier in the free agency period, the Indianapolis Colts gave Gosder Cherilus a five-year deal worth $34 million, which is a decent rough estimate for where the right tackle market will be set.
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