A second team has joined in the push for offensive tackle Andre Smith and it is the Arizona Cardinals.
Smith, an unrestricted free agent, will visit the Cardinals later this week after having a good meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, per Chris Tomasson (NFL writer for the Vikings).
Andre smith just told me he will visit Arizona later this week 50 50 between Vikings and cardinals
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2016
Free-agent tackle Andre Smith on #Vikings visit: "Things went well today. It's between (the Vikings) and Arizona. It's even.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2016
Arizona finds itself in need of an offensive tackle after seeing four-year veteran Bobby Massie sign a three-year deal worth 18 million for the Chicago Bears last week.
Smith was taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 6-foot-3, 340-pounder has made five playoff appearances, with three resulting in AFC North division titles during his first seven years in the league (2009-15). When healthy, Smith is a road grader in the run game and a solid pass protector.
He had a strong career at Alabama, winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy and earning unanimous All-American honors.
The former Crimson Tide standout played under head coach Mike Shula first (2006) and then Nick Saban (2007-08).
He helped start the building blocks for the program’s national title run in 2009.
If Smith should sign with the Cardinals, he would line up at right tackle next season. Arizona has pieces returning at left tackle and left guard, but issues lie on the right side of center.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
