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D.J. Smith | Linebacker

Team: San Diego Chargers
Age / DOB:  (24) / 2/24/1989
Ht / Wt:  5'11' / 239
College: Appalachian State
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

Updating a previous item, the Chargers signed ILB D.J. Smith (ACL surgery) to a two-year contract worth $1.07 million.
He got a $103,152 signing bonus. It was previously reported that San Diego claimed Smith off waivers, but he actually signed a brand-new contract. Smith may have to open the season on PUP, but he's showed well enough in past opportunities that he could eventually contribute as a nickel 'backer or starter. May 1 - 4:09 PM
Source: Bob McGinn on Twitter

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Date:
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Chargers claimed ILB D.J. Smith off waivers from the Packers.

Nice pickup for rookie GM Tom Telesco. Smith, 24, has performed solidly and even flashed some playmaking ability (five PBUs, one INT, two sacks) across nine career starts while playing as an every-down inside 'backer in Green Bay's 3-4. The Packers cut him due to a failed physical after suffering a major injury last October. Even if Smith doesn't contribute in 2013, the Chargers could stash him on PUP or I.R. and have a good player for cheap in 2014.
Related: Packers
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Apr 25 - 4:28 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Packers waived ILB D.J. Smith.

Smith suffered a major knee injury last October -- said to be at least a torn ACL, and wasn't expected to be ready by training camp. The Packers will move forward with Brad Jones, Rob Francois, and Terrell Manning behind Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk. Smith could still generate some interest on waivers. He just turned 24 years old and has held his own in nine career starts.
Related: Packers
Apr 24 - 5:37 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Packers ILB D.J. Smith (knee surgery) will be "hard pressed" to return by training camp.

Smith "possibly" won't be ready for Week 1, either. Hence Green Bay's aggressiveness to re-sign Brad Jones and Rob Francois, each of whom is being given a chance to compete with A.J. Hawk for the starting job next to Desmond Bishop. Smith's October knee injury was believed to be at least a torn ACL.
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
Mar 25 - 12:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Packers coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Monday that ILB D.J. Smith is done for the season with a knee injury.

It's believed to be an ACL tear. Smith is under contract cheaply through the 2014 season and shouldn't struggle to make the 2013 53-man roster, but his loss will be felt on the heels of Desmond Bishop's year-ending hamstring tear. The Packers figure to turn to converted OLB Brad Jones next to A.J. Hawk. Green Bay is unlikely to field an imposing run defense in the season's second half.
Source: Ty Dunne on Twitter
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 06:13:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Packers fear ILB D.J. Smith tore his ACL in Sunday night's Week 6 win over Houston.

An every-down player in Green Bay's defense, Smith was filling the old Desmond Bishop role inside next to A.J. Hawk. Used extensively in both run defense and pass coverage, Smith is perhaps the most underrated defender the Packers have. Green Bay is also trying to nurse back NT B.J. Raji from an ankle injury, so a year-ending ailment for Smith would really thwart the up-the-middle defense.
Source: Tom Silverstein on Twitter
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 05:02:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Packers ILB D.J. Smith was forced from Sunday's game against the Texans with a knee injury.

Smith's night is through. He's the second starting linebacker the Pack have lost this evening, with rookie OLB Nick Perry out with a knee injury of his own. Brad Jones is now on in Smith's absence. Smith is off to a fast start this season, with 36 tackles and two sacks through five games.
Related: Brad Jones
Sun, Oct 14, 2012 09:46:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Packers ILB D.J. Smith is expected to be a "100-percent" player in Green Bay's defense this season.

Smith was already ticketed for dime 'backer duties in place of A.J. Hawk, and Desmond Bishop's (likely) year-ending hamstring tear has vaulted Smith into the base and nickel packages. This is all a recipe for top-notch IDP statistics.
Source: Bob McGinn on Twitter
Wed, Aug 15, 2012 11:55:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

D.J. Smith is not expected to push ILB A.J. Hawk for a starting job this summer.

Although Smith impressed as an impact run defender in Weeks 12-15 last season, the 2011 sixth-rounder expects Robert Francois to back up "buck" ILB Hawk while he plays behind "mack" ILB Desmond Bishop. "It's still a middle linebacker, but one position (Hawk's) has more responsibility than the other," said Smith. DC Dom Capers is confident, however, that Smith can play either position if needed.
Related: A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Rob Francois
Source: Fox Sports Wisconsin
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 04:20:00 PM
D.J. Smith - LB - Chargers

Packers selected Appalachian State LB D.J. Smith with the No. 186 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

GM Ted Thompson has run out of holes to fill, so he's now concentrating on building a premier special-teams unit. Smith was a productive four-year starter at Appalachian State, but he's on the small side with below-average strength and athleticism. He does, however, have the makeup to stick his head in the mix on the kickoff coverage unit.
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 04:20:00 PM

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3RB1Danny Woodhead
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FB1Le'Ron McClain
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4Richard Goodman
5Deon Butler
WR21Malcom Floyd
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WR31Vincent Brown
TE1Antonio Gates
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5Ben Cotton
K1Nick Novak