Profootballtalk.com passes along "word" that free agent RT Andre Smith is seeking $9 million a year. It'd be top-shelf left tackle money -- for a right tackle -- and a significant leap up from the contract signed late last week by Giants LT William Beatty, which averages $7.75 million annually. Smith recently turned 26 and was arguably the best right tackle in football last season. We tend to doubt Smith will get $9 million a year, but all bets are off if he reaches the open market.

The Bengals lead the league with $54 million in available cap space. The Browns are second with $48 million, while the Dolphins and Colts both have over $40 million to spend. The Bengals' bountiful cap room means they have no excuse to let either RT Andre Smith or RE Michael Johnson walk in free agency, but owner Mike Brown is among the most tightfisted in all of sports. Bengals.com tentatively expects Smith to reach the open market.

The Cincinnati Enquirer considers it "more likely" that the Bengals let the open market establish free agent RT Andre Smith's price than apply the franchise tag. The Bengals have two readymade franchise-tag candidates in Smith and RE Michael Johnson, but Johnson is considered a more likely recipient of the tag. The Bengals are among the league leaders in cap space, but all bets will be off if Smith reaches the open market coming off a breakout campaign.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, it would "be a shock" if the Bengals didn't use the franchise tag. Beat writer Joe Reedy would "lean" toward RT Andre Smith being the most likely candidate to be tagged. RE Michael Johnson is also a strong possibility. Teams have until March 4 to apply the tag.

The Cincinnati Enquirer expects free agent RT Andre Smith to earn a deal worth $9-$9.5 million annually after "polling league scouts and personnel directors." It's steep for a right tackle, but speaks to how high a level Smith played at in 2012. The famously-thrifty Bengals may balk at such a price, but beat writer Joe Reedy expects them to make keeping Smith a priority, either via a long-term deal or the franchise tag. The Bengals have plenty of cap room, so they should for once hold onto a rising star.

Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy expects the team to either re-sign or franchise impending free agent RT Andre Smith. It took awhile for Smith to arrive on the scene after being the No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 draft, but he has turned into one of the best run-blocking tackles in the NFL. The tentative $15.365 million franchise tag number for offensive tackles would be a steep price to pay, especially for a right tackle, but the Bengals are expected to have plenty of cap space this offseason. Smith likely won't see the open market.

WCPO Cincinnati reports that Bengals RT Andre Smith was arrested Thursday for allegedly bringing a gun into an Atlanta airport. Atlanta police discovered a .380 caliber handgun on Smith's person when he attempted to board a plane Thursday evening. He appeared in court Friday and is now free on $3,000 bond. Smith enjoyed a breakout 2012 season and is scheduled for free agency this offseason. The arrest will be a red flag on his market appeal, although we still suspect he'll sign for big-time money.

Bengals running backs are averaging 5.5 yards per carry behind RT Andre Smith. Look no further than Smith for BenJarvus Green-Ellis' three-game renaissance as a top-three fantasy back. Pro Football Focus rates Smith as the best right tackle in football at the three-quarter season mark. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 draft has turned his career around in a contract year. Among impending free agents, Rotoworld's Nick Mensio ranks Smith behind only Broncos LT Ryan Clady.

Bengals RT Andre Smith reported to the team's offseason conditioning program Monday at 330 pounds, and hopes to lose five more before camp. Smith admitted he wasn't in great condition last year after the lockout, but plans to be in "tip-top shape" this summer. "Put together strength and wind so I can breathe," he said. Smith is entering the final year of his contract. Despite not being in "tip-top shape" last season, Pro Football Focus still graded Smith as a plus pass blocker and not a liability in the run game.

Bengals declared RT Andre Smith, DE Carlos Dunlap, FB Brian Leonard, WR Ryan Whalen, LB Dontay Moch, OG Clint Boling, and S Robert Sands inactive for Week 14 against the Texans. Antony Collins will make his 17th career start in place of Smith. Andy Dalton and Cedric Benson were already poor fantasy plays against the league's No. 1 defense. Dunlap's absence is good news for Texans rookie QB T.J. Yates.