The Bengals have signed first-round pick Andre Smith in a deal that could be as much as $42 million and the Alabama right tackle rushed onto the field in time to stretch as practice began, according to Bengals.com.
Smith, the sixth pick in the draft, is the next-to-last draft choice to sign in the NFL, ending a 30-day standoff that began at the Bengals' first practice on July 31 at Georgetown College.
ESPN.com reports that the four-year deal includes $21 million guaranteed. The team has an option after the 2010 season that would turn it into a six-year, $42 million deal that includes $29.5 million guaranteed. Heyward-Bey got a five-year deal with $23.5 million guaranteed from the Raiders.
Smith participated in the afternoon practice, doing some drills with other linemen during the portion of the workout open to the media.
"It was difficult just sitting there waiting. I'm eager to get back to football," Smith said after practice. "I don't feel like I'm that far behind. There's a difference between workout shape and football shape. I'm ready to get back into football shape."
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