Saints cut safety Dwight Smith

[Spaulding]

Link to article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2525154

Although they listed him a free safety, he appears to have the athleticism and size (5'10 and 210lbs) to play strong safety or cornerback as he did for the Buc's when they won the Superbowl and he returned two pics for TD's.

Could be another Larry Brown (Superbowl MVP and then bust as FA for Raiders) but am wondering if he's an upgrade over Roman provided he can play SS or even possibly insurance should Harris truly hold out since he's a skilled DB.

The likelihood is that Thompson is happy with the roster going into training camp and the only further FA signing we're going to see is possibly a veteran guard or kicker.

Thus pure speculation with the obvious thought being we have zero interest in him but I'm bored and looking for anything football related to discuss

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Well I done think we will be interseted because we already signed Manuel, but I have no doubt he will be signed by someone.

[MadtownPacker]

DSmith hasnt done anything since that SuperBowl when he had a great defense surrounding him and John Gruden telling him exactly what plays the Raider where gonna run. One of the worse SB ever IMO.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Actually, most scouts feel Smith was solid last year. I'm surprised the Saints were so eager to get rid of him. Maybe the new coaching staff didn't feel he fit the system. Plus, they have a few young guys (Josh Bullocks, Roman Harper, and perhaps Bryan Scott) they are looking to get into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Baltimore has a real need at safety. I wouldn't be surprised if they picked him up. I also wouldn't be surprised if Tampa Bay or Minnesota (depending on how Tank Williams has looked) shows interest in him.

[Zool]

The Saints have been actively shopping or cutting palyers with questionable attitudes. They have made quite a few moves already this year.

[woodbuck27]

Dwight Smith had good numbers last season:

Ref: NFL.COM

In 15 games

72 tackles (62 unassisted) , 1 sack and 2 picks. That sizes up pretty well with his two previous season's - so he's demonstrated consistency for the past three seasons.

He certainly should be considered. Cost of course a factor as he can't be garbage barrel cheap. TT should no less bring him in for a talk and look.

He certainly may replace Mark Roman and he will be 28 in August. Roman was 29 in March and rumored to be unhappy earlier.

Their numbers ( Roman's Vs. Smith's) last season - are not drastically different.

Mark Roman had 70 unassisted Tackles , ZERO Sacks and 2 picks.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-24/115346176275740.xml&coll=1

Note:

HC Payton, had commended Smith for his attitude and efforts in recent months despite being relegated to backup duty in practices.

"To be honest, I don't know what it was," Smith said Thursday. "I mean, we'll all see. Time will tell if it was a good move or a bad move."

Smith said he appreciated the chance to hook on with another team before training camp but said he wishes the move had been made even sooner.

Smith said several teams already have shown interest, including Tampa Bay, where he played four seasons. He also mentioned Minnesota, Oakland and Dallas.

[KYPack]

Looks like Dallas will pick him up. The Cowboy's safety got shot (for the 2nd time) & Parcells HATES that kind of distraction shit.

We could really use a solid back-up but I think this guy will be out of our budget.

[woodbuck27]

Vikings intrigue Smith but Bucs still in picture

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published July 25, 2006

TAMPA - Safety Dwight Smith will complete a two-day visit with the Minnesota Vikings today but said he would sign with the Buccaneers for one year if he is unable to attract a long-term deal with another team.

After the Saints failed in their efforts to trade him, Smith was released despite having four years remaining on a $15-million contract.

In Minnesota, Smith would be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, who coached the Bucs' secondary the past five seasons.

Smith, 27, said Monday he is excited about the possibility of playing in a Vikings secondary with safety Darren Sharper and cornerbacks Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield. He would compete with Tank Williams for a starting job.

"I'm on my way to Minnesota right now," Smith said Monday. "I mean, there's a bunch of teams we're talking to and we'll just see what the best situation is going to be for me and go from there.

"It would be great to be reunited with Mike (Tomlin) and then you get to play the other safety next to Darren Sharper and that's pretty intriguing. But we'll just have to see."

In Tampa Bay, Smith would give the Bucs more depth and flexibility in the secondary. Veteran Jermaine Phillips has been plagued by injuries, missing 12 games in the past three years. Will Allen is expected to take over at free safety from Dexter Jackson, who signed as a free agent with the Bengals.

Smith also is capable of playing cornerback in nickel passing situations. In 49 starts, he has 14 career interceptions.

However, Smith said the Bucs are only offering a one-year contract. Tampa Bay players report to training camp Thursday in Celebration and Smith said he would like to have the situation resolved by then.

"Like I told (the Bucs), if I do a one-year deal, I'll be here in Tampa," Smith said. "I know I'll get lots of playing time. I'm also established here. I have a home here and I know my way around town."

Smith said he also is considering an offer from the Baltimore Ravens, who happen to be the Bucs' first regular-season opponent.