The Vikings came into the offseason with plans on upgrading their offensive line and they opened free agency by signing guard Alex Boone away from the 49ers.
Now they’ve made a move at tackle as well. Andre Smith announced on his Twitter account that he is signing a one-year deal to join the Vikings as well.
Smith visited the Vikings and Cardinals before agreeing to the deal in Minnesota. The sixth overall pick of the 2009 draft has spent his entire career with the Bengals and has been the team’s starter on the right side of the line for the last five seasons.
Phil Loadholt has played that spot for the Vikings in recent years and the team reworked his deal this offseason after Loadholt missed all of 2015 with a torn Achilles. Smith’s arrival will likely leave Loadholt in a backup role or looking for work with another team should the Vikings opt for other alternatives in reserve.
Smith was the top ranked free agent left on PFT’s Hot 100 list at No. 18. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, No. 25, is now in that spot.
