Eric

Smith

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.

Bell and Landry are expected to play strong- and free-hybrids since the Jets defense has no difference between the two positions. The rotation could end up working, as Landry (Achilles) is a major injury risk while Bell and Smith are stretched as full-time starters.

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.

Beat writer Rich Cimini expects the Jets to enter Week 1 with a starting safety tandem of Bell and LaRon Landry. We expect Landry to man free safety with Bell slotting in at strong. That presumes Landry (Achilles) will make it onto the field, of course. Eric Smith will be first in line if/when Bell or Landry falter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Smith is not expected to play in Week 6. The Jets shouldn’t miss him too much with LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell healthy.

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.