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Eric Smith | Defensive Back

Team: Unsigned Free Agent
Age / DOB:  (30) / 3/17/1983
Ht / Wt:  6'1' / 207
College: Michigan State
Contract: view contract details
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Latest News

Recent News

Jets released S Eric Smith.
Smith was signed for an affordable $2.4 million, but may have been cut loose even if the Jets didn't have one of the worst salary-cap situations in football. A month shy of his 30th birthday, Smith was a part-time player in 2012, and didn't play at a high level on 329 snaps. He'll get a chance to latch on somewhere in camp, but it's not guaranteed he'll be a part of someone's Week 1 roster. Feb 19 - 1:38 PM

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Player News

Date:

Jets S Eric Smith (knee, hip) is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Smith has been trying to play through both a knee sprain and bone chips in his hip. Look for rookie Antonio Allen to step in as the Jets' third safety.
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 09:55:00 AM

Jets S Eric Smith sprained his knee in Wednesday's practice.

Smith is not expected to play in Week 6. The Jets shouldn't miss him too much with LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell healthy.
Thu, Oct 11, 2012 11:54:00 AM

Jets S Eric Smith (knee, hip) will not play in Week 1.

Strong safety LaRon Landry actually appears reasonably healthy heading into the season, so Smith's absence shouldn't bother the Jets too much. Yeremiah Bell will start at free safety.
Thu, Sep 6, 2012 11:19:00 AM

Jets S Eric Smith is questionable for Week 1 with hip and knee injuries.

Smith suffered hip and MCL injuries in New York's preseason opener, and has yet to return to practice. It's a big concern for a team that let Jim Leonhard walk in free agency. New York's Week 1 safety tandem is looking like it will be LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell, a pairing that could get torched by tight ends.
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 11:52:00 AM

The New York Daily News reports Jets S Eric Smith is dealing with a left MCL injury, and is out for the rest of the preseason.

Smith suffered knee and hip injuries in Friday's preseason opener, but an MRI of his hip revealed no structural damage. Per beat writer Manish Mehta, the Jets are "hoping" Smith will be ready for Week 1. It's a big concern for the Jets, who are easing in the fragile LaRon Landry at strong safety. Smith made 14 starts a season ago, but is expected to rotate snaps with Yeremiah Bell. Had Smith's injury occurred a week ago, the Jets may have explored a reunion with Jim Leonhard, who signed with the Broncos last Saturday.
Sat, Aug 11, 2012 04:40:00 PM

Jets S Eric Smith injured his hip in addition to his left knee in Friday's preseason opener, but doesn't believe the injuries are "anything too serious."

Smith says he felt a "sharp pain" in his knee, but X-rays came back negative. The Jets are awaiting MRI results. Smith played through a torn left meniscus for the final five games last season.
Sat, Aug 11, 2012 10:52:00 AM

Jets S Eric Smith left Friday's preseason opener with a left knee injury.

Playing on the Jets' punt team, Smith's knee twisted in ugly fashion in the second quarter, but he did limp off the field under his own power. Per ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, his knee was "heavily wrapped" on the sideline. We should know more before the end of the weekend.
Fri, Aug 10, 2012 10:27:00 PM

Jets DC Mike Pettine suggested that S Eric Smith will play primarily as a reserve in 2012.

Following a string of blown coverages, Smith was a media and fan punching bag last season. "You'll love Eric Smith at 300 snaps," Pettine said. "You don't like him at 1,000." Smith is expected to return to special teams while rotating in to give starters LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell a breather.
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 05:43:00 PM

Jets SS Eric Smith played the last five games with a torn meniscus in his knee and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.

Smith was a media whipping boy for blowing coverages, particularly late in the year. The fact he was playing hurt may explain his struggles. Set to turn 29 in March, Smith's salary leaps from $700,000 to $3 million. Smith had 89 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, but it's questionable whether he'll return.
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 07:34:00 PM

Eric Smith remains the Jets' full-time starter at strong safety.

Brodney Pool hasn't come close to getting his old job back. Smith remains an option for the Jets on special teams, but his main focus is now on the defense. In six spot starts last season, Smith had 39 tackles, one sack and no interceptions.
Mon, Aug 29, 2011 10:37:00 AM

Coach Rex Ryan said Eric Smith is still the starting strong safety even though Brodney Pool was surprisingly re-signed.

We're not sure how long Ryan can stick to this one. Smith is one of the better special teams players in the league and Pool is a better playmaker on defense. At least rotating the two would make sense, killing any IDP value.
Thu, Aug 4, 2011 11:37:00 AM

Coach Rex Ryan has anointed Eric Smith the Jets' new starting strong safety, replacing Brodney Pool.

Pool is a free agent and has drawn no known interest on the open market. Smith isn't a playmaker, but picked up Ryan's system quickly last season and plays with smarts and aggression. This still isn't a great situation for IDP value.
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 12:53:00 PM

Jets agreed to terms with S Eric Smith on a three-year contract.

Smith has just two INTs over the past four seasons, but didn't embarrass himself in eight starts last year and racked up 12 tackles on special teams. He may start at one of the safety spots in 2011 if Brodney Pool isn't re-signed.
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 01:33:00 AM

The Jets have extended an offer to free agent S Eric Smith, a source tells the Star-Ledger.

The Jets are still trying to get business done even as Nnamdi Asomugha holds them hostage. Smith is a core special teamer, has experience in the defense and is thought to be a priority for the Jets.
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 02:05:00 PM

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4Collin Klein
RB1Michael Turner
2D.J. Ware
3Beanie Wells
4Curtis Brinkley
5Jamie Harper
6Brandon Saine
7Stefphon Jefferson
8Richard Murphy
9Javarris James
10Darren Evans
GLB1Michael Turner
2Montell Owens
3Beanie Wells
4Curtis Brinkley
3RB1D.J. Ware
2Beanie Wells
3Curtis Brinkley
FB1Lousaka Polite
2Montell Owens
3Spencer Larsen
4Brit Miller
5Brock Bolen
6Tony Fiammetta
7Owen Schmitt
8Robert Hughes
9Nate Eachus
10Jourdan Brooks
11Ryan Roberson
12Eddie Williams
13Ryan D'Imperio
14Patrick DiMarco
WR11Jabar Gaffney
2Laurent Robinson
3Steve Breaston
4Titus Young
5Ben Obomanu
6Emmanuel Arceneaux
7Kassim Osgood
8Jeremy Ebert
9Justin Hilton
10Bert Reed
11Cole McKenzie
12Rashaard Carter
WR21Brandon Lloyd
2Early Doucet
3Kerry Meier
4Brandon Banks
5Darius Hanks
6Duke Calhoun
7Lavasier Tuinei
8Seyi Ajirotutu
9Michael Calvin
10Ronald Johnson
11DeMarco Sampson
12Mark Harrison
13Jason Thompson
14Gerrard Sheppard
WR31Jabar Gaffney
2Laurent Robinson
3Steve Breaston
TE1Zach Potter
2Randy McMichael
3David Thomas
4Kevin Boss
5Daniel Graham
6Josh Baker
7Steve Watson
8Joe Sawyer
9Dedrick Epps
10Martin Rucker
11Evan Moore
12Taylor Cook
K1John Potter
2Derek Dimke