Andre Smith Signs, Leaving Michael Crabtree as Only Absent 1st-Round Pick

The number of unsigned 2009 first-round draft picks dwindled from two to one on Sunday, as offensive tackle Andre Smith finally agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The No. 6 overall pick missed all of Cincinnati's training camp and the Bengals' first three preseason games. Smith is basically locked into a starting tackle spot once he gets up to speed -- his challenge now will be accelerating that process with the regular season two weeks away.

Smith's signing also means that Michael Crabtree's San Francisco mess is the lone top pick not under contract yet.

More Coverage: Draft Picks' Signing Statuses

The Bengals' standoff with Smith appeared destined to linger, as well, but after weeks of reports that the two sides were far apart in negotiations, Sunday brought on a rapid conclusion.

"We're excited to have Andre with us now," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He has a lot of work to do, but he knows the challenge ahead of him to make an impact on our team as soon as possible. Our vision of him is simply as a physically dominating player on our offensive line, and we know that this guy wants to be very, very good."

Despite the lengthy process required to get Smith signed, the situation never outwardly regressed as Crabtree's ordeal has.

As for Crabtree, if he was trying to create an elevated market for himself, all the pieces are now in place -- with every pick signed, we'll soon know the financial details of the 31 other first-round picks. Crabtree, the 10th pick, apparently wants a deal somewhere in the vicinity of No. 7 selection Darrius Heyward-Bey, but the Niners have been very reluctant to approach Heyward-Bey's five-year, $38.25 million deal.

Smith will likely fall somewhere between the contracts given No. 2 pick Jason Smith (five years, $61.775 million) and No. 8 pick Eugene Monroe (five years, $35.4 million) -- the two offensive tackles bookending the Bengals rookie's slot.

Cincinnati's final preseason game, and Smith's probable debut, takes place Thursday when the Bengals host Indianapolis.

Follow NFL on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook