Posted July 09, 2009 @ 9:42 a.m.
Bengals ORT Andre Smith recently told NFL.com he does not want to hold out of training camp, which can be taken as a positive sign with many expecting contract negotiations to be contentious between the club and the No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 draft. The No. 6 selection a season ago, Jets OLB Vernon Gholston, received $21 million guaranteed, but the No. 5 pick in the '09 draft, Jets QB Mark Sanchez, received $28 million in guarantees. From all accounts, the Bengals are more likely to make a contract offer with something closer to $21 million in guarantees than $28 million in guarantees. The way we hear it, the Bengals will not hesitate to go with Anthony Collins at right tackle if Smith holds out for an extended stretch. Collins earned valuable starting experience as a rookie at left tackle, but Andrew Whitworth is slated to start there this season, leaving right tackle as the only available spot for Collins.