Why the Cincinnati Bengals could be in store for a prolonged holdout with Andre Smith

Published July 16, 2009 at 6:51 p.m.

+ While the situation is different (a different client and another team), it would seem that Bengals fans should keep an eye on Alvin Keels' negotiations for Jets running back Leon Washington. Keels, after conjecturing that the Jets are "pissed off" at him, says that the delay for a contract extension isn't his client's fault. Rather he blames the Jets...Is this what we should expect?

Keeping in mind that the two situations are different, you can't stop with that hollow feeling that the Bengals are in store for a prolonged holdout. Of course, we suspected as much. Historically speaking, the Bengals take their time signing first-round picks inside the Top Ten (not named Carson Palmer)...Smith and Keels are likely looking at what Vernon Gholston received last season -- typical, considering each slot is usually paid slightly more than the year before. Gholston's deal reportedly maxes out at $50 million after hitting incentives; something Smith could be looking at which the Bengals might balk at.

The rotation of agents surrounding Andre Smith this offseason caused additional concern. After the NFL Combine, Smith fired Keels, his first agent. His draft stock plummeted; many considered him a late first-round pick after so many thought he'd be a first overall pick during the 2008 collegiate season. Rick Smith was hired, bringing his stock up so much that the Bengals, desperate to rebuild their offensive line, drafted him sixth overall. Soon after that, Andre Smith fired Rick Smith and brought Alvin Keels back. Rick Smith and Priority Sports didn't like that. The Bengals reportedly favored Rick Smith much more over Keels. I had four migraines that month.

Combining all of the factors above, the idea that Andre Smith won't be in training camp at all feels relatively concrete, doesn't it? So what's the point referring to negotiations with the Jets? Well, quite simply, how does he work through this? So far he's said it's the team's fault and laughs when says that the team he's negotiating with is "pissed". Is that more of what we should expect? There's also a difference between a player trying to squeeze money from a team while already under contract and threatening to hold out, compared to a rookie looking for a big score.

The Bengals do have a backup plan, so to speak. If Andre Smith does a Justin Smith and signs way late, then the Bengals can fall back on Anthony Collins, who is probably thinking to himself, "what about me?" Because you have to ask yourself, will Andre Smith even be close to being ready when he actually signs?

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