Andre Smith couldn’t pin down one reason why he signed with the Vikings.
Speaking on a conference call today, Smith first said he was just looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting job. Then he said he wanted to join a winner. And then he cited the presence of coach Mike Zimmer, whom he said was “like a father figure” during their overlapping days in Cincinnati.
In the end, the free-agent tackle got all three with the Vikings, plus a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million that included $1 million guaranteed.
“I’m just trying to take advantage of what I have in front of me right now,” the 29-year-old said.