The Vikings announced Monday night that their visit with free agent offensive tackle Andre Smith has concluded.
Smith is leaving Minnesota without a contract. Smith told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he’ll soon visit the Arizona Cardinals and is “50-50” between the Cardinals and Vikings as his next employer.
Smith told Tomasson that his visit “went well” and he sees the race to sign him as “even” between the Cardinals and Vikings. Tomasson reported earlier Monday that the Vikings still hoped they could sign Smith before he left the building, but that didn’t happen.
Smith has played his whole career with the Bengals, who drafted him at No. 6 overall in 2009. That means Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, who previously served as Bengals defensive coordinator, knows him well. Smith was the starting right tackle for the Bengals for the last five years.
The Cardinals have a need at right tackle after losing Bobby Massie to the Bears via free agency last week.
At No. 18, Smith is the highest ranked remaining player on the PFT Hot 100 Free Agent List who remains without a contract or a franchise tag.