To consider next year and the year beyond that, Bengals fans must first look back to April 17, 1999. That's the day the Bengals turned down the Saints' offer of nine draft picks, including three first-round choices, to take quarterback Akili Smith with the No.3 overall pick.

        “It was a generous offer, but we felt now is the time to get the quarterback,” is what Bengals president Mike Brown said to explain his decision.

        It's now the end of Smith's second season. The Bengals, who gave him $10.8 million to sign, are 2-10. They were 4-12 with Smith playing in seven games as a rookie in 1999.

        Smith should be starting to deliver on his potential. Instead, he will be on the bench for the second time when the Bengals play host to the Arizona Cardinals today at Paul Brown Stadium.

        Brown confirmed this week what Smith's demotion indicated: He hasn't come close to being what the Bengals expected. His 52.8 passer rating in the worst of 33 regular NFL quarterbacks. Scouts say he's indecisive in the pocket, gives up too early on routes and consistently misses open receivers. He also has 14 fumbles.

        And he has been such a disappointment the Bengals again are starting 11-year veteran Scott Mitchell and plan to re-sign Mitchell to compete with Smith for the starting job next season.

        So if Bengals fans are looking ahead to next season, the first thing they'll see is a quarterback competition.

        If it's not Mitchell battling Smith for the job, another veteran quarterback will be brought in during the offseason. Seattle's Jon Kitna and Washington's Brad Johnson are just two of the unrestricted free agents. The Jets' Ray Lucas is a restricted free agent, and the Rams' Trent Green is available in a trade.

        Hindsight, as Bengals officials and coaches often say, is 20/20. And what's perfectly clear is how April 17, 1999 is coloring the team's future.

        If Cincinnati had accepted New Orleans' offer, it would have had another first-round pick in the 2000 draft — the No. 2 overall and would be looking at two first-round picks in the 2001 draft.

LeBeau's job rides on today's game Saints' offer still haunts Bengals Last chance for a W Who's got the edge? Bengals-Cardinals by the numbers Players to watch NFL Insider

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