Ravens Sign Former First Round Pick Andre Smith

Andre Smith
Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

When teams continue playoff football into January, health can never go undervalued. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Ravens announced the signing of a former first round pick to their roster. 

Ravens signed veteran OT Andre Smith and placed OL Parker Ehinger (shoulder) on injured reserve. Smith, a 2009 first-round pick of the Bengals, has started 98 games. Baltimore is adding experienced insurance for its Super Bowl run.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 8, 2020

Smith, 32, was drafted sixth overall by the Bengals in the 2009 NFL Draft. 

Smith played his first seven seasons with Cincinnati, starting on three AFC North championship teams. 

Smith is the healthiest he has been in years, after missing 11 games from 2011-2015. 

He rejoined the Bengals this season and started five games in place of Cordy Glenn. Smith should not be expected to play many snaps, but having a savy veteran to rely upon is a wise move for Baltimore. 

Smith can be used in case of injuries or serve as a sixth linemen ahead of the Ravens divisional matchup with Tennessee.

In a corresponding move, the Ravens placed guard Parker Ehinger on IR.