Telvin

Smith

This is a formality. Smith was arrested May 1 and bonded out of jail the same day. Smith allegedly had sex with an underage girl multiple times in his home and vehicle, and her DNA was found in Smith’s car after it was confiscated by authorities. Smith stepped away from football last May, though he never filed his retirement papers.

Smith was arrested and charged with “unlawful sexual activity with certain minors,” per the Duval County Jail website. Slapped with an $88,000 fine for blowing off mini-camp and stepping away from football to “get his world in order” last year, Smith is still on Jacksonville’s roster since he never officially filed his retirement papers through league offices. His bond was set at $50,003.

Smith, who confirmed the news himself on his Instagram story, was fined $14,775 for the first day, $29,550 for the second and $44,325 for the third and final day of Jags minicamp. The 2014 fifth-rounder announced last month that he would be taking the season off to “get his world in order,” though his locker at the team’s facility remains intact. It’s possible Smith files retirement paperwork, which would prevent him from future fines while giving Jacksonville an additional $9.75 million in cap space.

“At this time I must take time away from this game and get my world in order,” Smith said in an Instagram post. “I must give this time back to myself, my family and my health.” The word “retirement” was never mentioned. Smith rumors have been percolating for some time now, while the Jags have loaded up on linebackers, including a potential third-round replacement in Quincy Williams. Now 28, Smith remained an every-down player last season, though his effectiveness fell off from an elite 2017. He still managed to notch a sack, two interceptions and a forced fumble in addition to 134 tackles. It is entirely unclear what is causing Smith to step away.

Along with Jalen Ramsey, Smith caught VP Tom Coughlin’s ire by skipping voluntary workouts. Caldwell later added Smith is “a linebacker on our football team” and they “expect him to be here,” but it is not clear if here means with the team in 2019 or at workouts. Smith is under contract through 2021.

Smith suffered a shoulder injury during practice this week, practicing on just a limited basis Thursday and Friday before drawing a questionable tag, but he will suit up on Sunday. The Jaguars need him in a massive divisional game.

Smith appeared to pick the injury up during practice this week, but he was able to get in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, suggesting he will play. The Jaguars need Smith in what is almost a must-win game against the Colts.

His “official” time was 4.52. Smith is built similarly to Seahawks SS Kam Chancellor at 6-foot-3, 218 with striking ability. It’s worth noting Smith has far better speed than Chancellor, however, as Kam ran a 4.62 forty coming out of Virginia Tech. Smith is expected to be a day-two pick. He played linebacker at FSU but could be a movable chess piece defender in the NFL.

Smith is entering the final year of his rookie deal. A 2014 fifth-rounder out of FSU, Smith is an asset in today’s NFL as a linebacker with safety speed and sideline-to-sideline ability. An every-down player, Smith was Pro Football Focus’ No. 8-ranked 4-3 outside linebacker last season, grading out second best in run defense. Beat writer Ryan O’Halloran believes Smith could command a Kiko Alonso-type deal at four years and $28 million.

Smith played a big part in the road win over the Steelers, picking off Ben Roethlisberger in the third quarter with Jacksonville trailing by two and returning it for a touchdown. He also dominated in the run game, as Pro Football Focus credited Smith with four stops. Smith is currently PFF’s No. 2-ranked 4-3 outside linebacker. In the final year of his deal, Smith is in line for a big extension.