Mr. Ed -> RE: Vikes talk for Twins Fans (3/17/2016 1:51:03 PM)
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The Vikings added a second free agent to bolster the offensive line. Offensive tackle Andre Smith agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday, he announced on social media. Following a free agent visit, which included dinner in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday and a tour of U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday, Smith left Minnesota without a deal. Three days later, he signed. Smith is the latest move by the Vikings to repair the offensive line by creating competition this summer. He figures to compete at right tackle, where veteran Phil Loadholt took a pay cut this month after missing last season with a torn Achilles. Smith, 29, signed a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $4.5 million, with just $1 million guaranteed. In less than two weeks, the Vikings have restructured Loadholt’s contract, re-signed guard Mike Harris and added guard Alex Boone, the big catch on a four-year, $26.8 million deal, and Smith in free agency to fix an offensive line that was porous for both quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson last season. General manager Rick Spielman has pivoted toward free agency to help the line after recent draft picks have failed to provide immediate help. Smith was a five-star recruit out of a Birmingham, Ala. high school, becoming the sixth-overall pick in 2009 after serving as the Crimson Tide’s left tackle for three seasons. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals while Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was defensive coordinator. Smith (6-4, 325) started 73 games at right tackle in seven seasons for the Bengals.
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