Cincinnati Bengals Free Agent Rumors: Branden Albert Trade Option As Andre Smith Unhappy With Deal, Eric Winston Or Luke Joeckel Draft Targets?

Apr 01, 2013 12:15 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Bengals have been working on bringing back offensive lineman Andre Smith on a contract this offseason, but the free agent has so far been unhappy with the offer and the team may move on to other options, including free agent Eric Winston.

According to NFL.com, SI.com writer Peter King reports that Smith's agents said he felt that the offer from the Bengals "stinks" and that "the door is open" for another team to sign him. One option could be the Arizona Cardinals, who have issues on the line, as well as the San Diego Chargers. Smith is represented by CAA, who also repped New England Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer as he worked out a deal with his team.

Smith had a solid season last year, but the Bengals are known to be frugal with their contracts and after dealing with a hold out and injuries early in his career, Smith may have to move on from the Bengals. The team made the playoffs for the second straight season, but lost to the Texans for the second year in a row.

Eric Winston appears to be the best option on the free agent market, as he is a veteran with years of experience after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. The team is expected to take a lineman with the number one overall pick and while the Bengals could target names like Eric Fisher, Lane Johnson and Alabama's D.J. Fluker, there is a chance none of those names will be available later when they pick.

The Bengals ranked 18th in rushing yards per game last season and could use a boost after gaining 109 yards per game. The team went 10-6 in the AFC North and lost 19-13 to the Texans in the first round. While the Bengals are not usually a team that makes big trades, one option could be to get Branden Albert from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The team has put the franchised tackle on the block and the Chiefs may want to trade him since they feel they are getting a replacement with the number one overall pick. The team traded away its second round pick in the Alex Smith deal and is looking for more picks to get back ahead of the draft, making the move a possibility.

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