Rick

Smith

Colts director of college scouting Morocco Brown, who was interviewed by the Falcons last week, believes Atlanta is down to Smith or Fontenot, but Ledbetter also believes Holmes is in the mix. Among the three finalists, Smith has the most experience while Fontenot and Holmes are viewed as the NFL’s best up-and-comers. As the Texans’ general manager, Smith drafted Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, Deandre Hopkins, and other Pro Bowl talents. He deserves another shot.

Smith seems to be interviewing for nearly every open GM position, previously speaking with the Jaguars and Falcons. The Lions also interviewed former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and former Patriot and Chiefs executive Scott Pioli for the job.

Smith interviewed for the Falcons’ GM job last week. Jacksonville is a more attractive opening with a talented roster and a chance at the first overall pick. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and interim GM Trent Baalke are also reportedly candidates for the Jaguars’ vacant GM job.

Smith was the Texans general manager from 2006 to 2017 and was responsible for drafting Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and others. Smith would be a nice fit with the Falcons who have key pieces on offense but need to get better on defense and younger overall. The Falcons also interviewed Anthony Robinson, their director of college scouting. Robinson has been in Atlanta’s personnel department for 13 seasons. He should get an extended look.

He’s in his 11th year as Houston’s GM. “Rick’s doing a good job for us, and I think stability in the organization is important,” said owner Bob McNair. “Rick has put together a good scouting staff, and he works well with the coaching staff. I thought this was a good time to get this done.” Smith had a big offseason, poaching Brock Osweiler from Denver and improving the running game by signing Lamar Miller to a four-year contract. He came in at No. 10 in RotoPat’s annual GM rankings.

Smith is currently both the EVP and GM, but he is taking a full season away from the organization to care for his wife, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Smith plans to return, but it sounds like the Texans will hire a new head of personnel to replace him. Smith and coach Bill O’Brien reportedly have a strained relationship.

Smith’s wife, Tiffany, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. “Effective immediately, I have chosen to take an extended leave of absence to focus my attention and intention on my wife’s complete recovery from her recent diagnosis of breast cancer,” Smith wrote in a statement. “I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now and they are my priority.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the team will “move to fill the void in the personnel department,” suggesting Smith will be absent throughout the pre-draft process. With Smith reportedly at odds with coach Bill O’Brien, there were rumors one of them would be let go following the season, but that seems unlikely now.