Andre Smith couldn't pin down one reason why he signed with the Vikings.
Speaking on a conference call Friday, 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. "Yeah, it's a one-year deal. But it's an opportunity for me to join a great team, and I feel like I can make this team better."
Smith will compete with veteran Phil Loadholt and second-year lineman T.J. Clemmings for the starting right tackle spot. The 6-foot-4, 335-pound right tackle started 73 games at that position in seven seasons with the Bengals.
"[The Vikings] have some really good linemen there right now, and I just want to come in and compete for a starting position," Smith said.
Smith, who visited Minnesota on Sunday and Monday, said his relationship with Zimmer was one of the deciding factors in choosing the Vikings over Arizona, though he admitted that no visit with the Cardinals, who might not have been serious suitors, was ever scheduled.
"[Zimmer] made it feel like it was a great place for me to be at," Smith said. "It just felt like home, and I felt like it was a better opportunity."
