The number of unsigned 2009 first-round draft picks dwindled from two to one on Sunday, as offensive tackle Andre Smith finally agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.The No. 6 overall pick missed all of Cincinnati's training camp and the Bengals' first three preseason games. Smith is basically locked into a starting tackle spot once he gets up to speed -- his challenge now will be accelerating that process with the regular season two weeks away.
Smith's signing also means that Michael Crabtree's San Francisco mess is the lone top pick not under contract yet.
More Coverage: Draft Picks' Signing Statuses
The Bengals' standoff with Smith appeared destined to linger, as well, but after weeks of reports that the two sides were far apart in negotiations, Sunday brought on a rapid conclusion.
"We're excited to have Andre with us now," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He has a lot of work to do, but he knows the challenge ahead of him to make an impact on our team as soon as possible. Our vision of him is simply as a physically dominating player on our offensive line, and we know that this guy wants to be very, very good."
Despite the lengthy process required to get Smith signed, the situation never outwardly regressed as Crabtree's ordeal has.
As for Crabtree, if he was trying to create an elevated market for himself, all the pieces are now in place -- with every pick signed, we'll soon know the financial details of the 31 other first-round picks. Crabtree, the 10th pick, apparently wants a deal somewhere in the vicinity of No. 7 selection Darrius Heyward-Bey, but the Niners have been very reluctant to approach Heyward-Bey's five-year, $38.25 million deal.
Smith will likely fall somewhere between the contracts given No. 2 pick Jason Smith (five years, $61.775 million) and No. 8 pick Eugene Monroe (five years, $35.4 million) -- the two offensive tackles bookending the Bengals rookie's slot.
Cincinnati's final preseason game, and Smith's probable debut, takes place Thursday when the Bengals host Indianapolis.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
8-30-2009 @ 4:04PM
pifecta said...
The Bengals have every intention of using Smith at his natural RT position, not LT.
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8-30-2009 @ 5:41PM
rferrara said...
amazing the leverage players who have never been involved in one down yet have over the team that drafted them. the nfl needs to have a cap for new players and take better care of players who make the pro bowl year after year.
crabtree might be the next jerry rice, who knows? - but in the meantime, take the amount you are more than lucky to get at #10, between #9 and #11 seems fair under the current set up and EARN all the money you want by playing well - you'll get it when your first contract expires.
or are you chicken crabtree? chickentree? you know something the 9ers dont? like maybe you are hurt and will be a major bust? you want all that money now so you wont be a tollbooth collector in the future? SIGN the friggen contract dickhead.
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8-30-2009 @ 9:53PM
me said...
I wouldn't mind being a toll booth collector. They get paid good money to make change for people. Plus they have medical/dental benefits and a retirement plan.
8-30-2009 @ 6:01PM
Lakergregg said...
"Calling Commissioner Goodell."
Hey Rog, call the punk and his agent to your office and tell him he either signs for 10th pick money or he never plays in the NFL.
Capiche?
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8-30-2009 @ 6:16PM
Mr.G said...
This is exactly why Crabtree fell to 10th in the draft.Many teams felt he had an ego/attitude problem and didn't want to deal with it.I don't care how much supposed talent he has,teams should never,ever draft a guy like this in the first round...period.
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8-30-2009 @ 7:49PM
toryd32 said...
i hope crabtree never plays.sorry little punk is not as good as he thinks and he should be happy he got drafted at all
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8-30-2009 @ 7:54PM
dk4xploracity said...
Another draft pick(Crabtree) who did not pass Logic and Reasoning 101 during college. How many other professions do you become an instant millionaire without ever working for one minute at the level for which you are being compensated? I wonder if he has any idea how many people have lost their jobs in the USA in say just the past year? I hope you decide to sit out for the year idiot...Guaranteed your draft status will not improve above #10 for next year and then you will be drafted and paid what you really deserve...LOWER on both accounts. Enough!
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8-30-2009 @ 8:10PM
Dark Alley Demon said...
This, coming from a staunch 49ers fan: Stay the hell away, Crabtree. You're already a hated person among many of the 49ers fans. Plus, they don't need you. They'll be great without you.
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8-31-2009 @ 7:51PM
Steve said...
We need Crabtree like a moose needs a hat rack. If it were up to me I'd say the hell with him and move on. Niners have some good talent at that position anyway, plus they're pretty much gearing up to be a running team. Screw him and his greed.
8-30-2009 @ 8:15PM
lpssports43 said...
These punks coming out of college think they should get more money then vets who have been playing 5+ years. The NFL needs to place a cap on what rookies can make just like the NBA did.
If Crabtree does sign with the 49ers Coach Mike is going to chew him up and spit him out.
I say let the ass**** sit the year out and draft someone who wants to play for the team.
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8-31-2009 @ 9:04AM
TomW said...
Well, thats the end of Crabtree's career, over before he got started. If he goes back to Tech (dunno if he can do that though) and goes into next year's draft why does he think anyone is going to risk a high pick on him. He is just someone who potential but it never came about. Too bad, there are so many other players who want to play.
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8-30-2009 @ 8:33PM
Max said...
i cant wait till he waits to get drafted next year and they give him even less money watch he wont play a game int he nfl but he will be in like 12 nfl drafts. n u no theres so many soldiers and all those kinda people actully doing something and they get not even close to what he would make right here but hes to good for it whatever
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8-30-2009 @ 9:45PM
me said...
these kids should just be happy to be picked by an NFL team. Why do they think they need to be paid millions of dollars? There should be a scale for rookies and then have them prove themselves ! Look what happened to Ryan Leaf.
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8-30-2009 @ 9:51PM
dhartson said...
Typical IDIOT player......... he has a gift horse and he won't take it because he is all that !!! You know what, send his ass away! The NFL needs to stop this kind of behavior. Either he want to work or not. Simple.
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8-30-2009 @ 10:38PM
wiecek said...
Has Texas Tech's football coach (Mike Leach) apologized to Eric Mangini yet? Leach bad-mouthed Mangini for calling Crabtree what he truly is...a prima donna.
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8-30-2009 @ 11:10PM
BARRY KURPINSKY said...
I saw Crabtree today he asked me if I wanted to super-size my Mc Donalds order.......
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8-30-2009 @ 11:32PM
kgmob63 said...
It is truely sad when GREED gets in the way! Grow up Crabtree...
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8-30-2009 @ 11:46PM
barron540 said...
HE WENT TO DALLAS CARTER, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT........
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8-31-2009 @ 12:13AM
rj121trap said...
WHen is the 2010 draft? No, the 2011 draft. Well there is always the AFl2 in Boise or Spokane he can play for.
YOur getting some bad advice. Enjoy the season at Dino's Sports Bar
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8-31-2009 @ 3:06AM
geezerearl said...
Sooner or later Crabtrees agent is going get tired
of fronting him. And tell him 2 sign because the
money tree just died.Because hes in hock 4 some
serious money and his wants his investment back
with interest.
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