MINNEAPOLIS -- We've talked quite a bit this month about the effect of the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff and its relationships around the league on the team's approach to free agency.
For new Vikings tackle Andre Smith, the pre-existing relationship he'd had with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sounded like one of the main reasons he wound up in Minnesota.
Smith was with Zimmer for five seasons in Cincinnati, when Zimmer was the defensive coordinator there and Smith was trying to live up to expectations after the Bengals drafted him sixth overall in 2009. In a conference call with Twin Cities media on Friday afternoon, Smith said Zimmer was instrumental in helping him get on track with the Bengals.