Le Kevin

Smith

Smith hasn’t played in two games since being traded to Denver, but there’s been no update from the team. He’s expected to be sidelined for two regular season games, which will weaken the Broncos rotation.

The Pats now keep a fourth-round pick, as part of the Derrick Burgess trade stipulated they could substitute a fifth-round pick if one was acquired. Smith is no more than a rotational lineman, but Denver is in dire need of bodies along its new three-man defensive front. Smith can play both defensive end and nose in the 3-4 system. He isn’t a serious candidate to start.

The Broncos had started the same 11 players on defense in the team’s first seven games but that will change on Monday. Smith came to Denver in a trade with New England in August and has played in the last five games as a part of the defensive line rotation.

While the Pats don’t have interest, apparently GM Scott Pioli is pursuing him as a rotational lineman in Kansas City. Pioli knows Smith from their time together in New England.

Smith failed to draw a qualifying offer from the Broncos last week, so he was likely brought back at a lesser amount. He won’t be guaranteed a roster spot after the team’s recent veteran additions on the defensive front.

Smith didn’t receive a restricted free agent tender from the Broncos earlier this week. He’d be a deep reserve for the Pats, who drafted Smith in 2006.

“The Kevin” is free to sign with the highest bidder at 12AM ET Thursday night. The Broncos thought they had a potential five-technique starter when they acquired Smith (and a seventh-rounder) for a fifth-round pick from the Pats last August. Instead, Smith was a non-factor and Denver got swindled.

When Johnathan Sullivan was arrested Smith’s chances of making the team increased, but the former Nebraska Corhusker still looks like a long shot.