Tremon

Smith

Smith returns home to a Texans team he spent two seasons with (2021-2022). The veteran special teams player can earn up to $7.5 million on his new deal, and is now set to be “the highest-paid core special teamer” in the league next year, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Smith returned just six kicks for 170 yards last season, as most of his special teams snaps came outside of a returner role.

Smith entered the league as a corner, switched to running back with the Chiefs, and has since settled in as a special teams ace. He averaged 23.9 yards per kick return over two years with the Texans and even took one kickoff to the house. He also returned a handful of punts and pitched in for a few hundred snaps on defense. Smith will primarily play on special teams in Denver but his versatility earned him a well-deserved contract.

Smith played 119 snaps on special teams between the Packers and Chiefs last year. He ended the season on the Eagles’ practice squad. Smith will compete for the kick return job in Indy.

Smith was the 196th overall pick in last year’s draft. He played 82 snaps on defense as a rookie and was a FCS All-American as a senior at Central Arkansas who picked off 15 career passes. We at least know he can catch. Smith ran a 4.32 forty at his Pro Day. He adds a speed element to the Chiefs’ backfield where Smith will compete with Darrel Williams and rookie Darwin Thompson behind Damien Williams and Carlos Hyde.

Smith (5’11/186) was a three-year starter and four-year contributor at cornerback, earning first-team FCS All-American as a senior and logging 15 career interceptions. He also returned a punt return for a touchdown as a junior and offers special teams appeal. Not invited to the Combine, Smith turned NFL heads by blazing a blistering 4.32 forty-yard dash on the Pro Day circuit. Smith needs weight-room work, but he offers intriguing traits as both a corner and possible return specialist.

Smith is an experienced -- three-year starter -- out of FCS Central Arkansas who nabbed 15 career picks in college. He blistered a 4.32 forty at his Pro Day to put himself on the map. Smith could contribute year one.