Eric Smith - #33 - S
| Status | Inactive |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 207 lbs. |
| Birthday | 03/17/1983 |
| Birthplace | Groveport, OH |
| College | Michigan State |
| Years played | 8 |
| Drafted | 2006, 3rd round, 33rd pick by Jets |
2011 free-agent tracker, by position
Follow the movement of the 2011 free agents in this list, broken down by position.
PLAYER NEWS
The Jets released Smith on Tuesday.|||||||
Smith has been with the Jets since 2006, when they drafted him in the third round. He was an occasional starter at safety, including 14 games in 2011, and also was a special teams standout.
Smith will miss New York's game Sunday against Miami after he sprained a knee during practice.|||||||
Tests revealed the sprain before the New ENgland game, and coach Rex Ryan was relieved it wasn't worse.
Smith is out for Sunday's game against Buffalo because problems with his knee and hip.|||||||
It is uncertain when he will return.
A person familiar with the deal says the Jets have re-signed Smith to a three-year contract, keeping the key backup in New York.|||||||
Smith, also a hard-hitting special teams player, has been with the Jets since they drafted him in the third round out of Michigan State in 2006. The signing comes after New York lost out Friday night to the Philadelphia Eagles in its pursuit of free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The 28-year-old Smith has 201 career tackles, along with four interceptions, 17 passes defensed and a sack.
Smith has signed his one-year tender offer with the New York Jets.|||||||
The deal Thursday, worth $1.176 million, keeps Smith in the competition with the recently signed Brodney Pool and James Ihedigbo to replace Kerry Rhodes opposite Jim Leonhard in the Jets' secondary. Rhodes was traded to Arizona on March 6 for two draft picks.
