Tye

Smith

Minnesota also re-signed fellow CB Tye Smith. Hairston, 27, was a fifth-round pick of the Colts in 2017 and spent two years with Indy before splitting time with the Jets and Broncos the last three years. He appeared in 16 games for Denver last season, seeing action on 63% of the special teams snaps and 15% of the defensive downs.

Minnesota also announced that they have signed CB Nate Hairston and re-signed CB Tye Smith. Davis was released by Miami last week. He has started 72 games across every position but center over the past five years. Davis struggled at right tackle in 2021, allowing eight sacks and ten QB hits across 16 starts. For now, he projects to start at right guard for the Vikings. The move back to the inside should help Davis rebound in 2022.

Smith spent three years with the Titans before signing in Minnesota for the veteran’s minimum this offseason. He played a mix of special teams and corner for the Tenneesee last year. With seven career starts to his name at the age of 27, Smith’s career may be coming to a close.

It’s for the veteran’s minimum. Smith was a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks in 2015 and has appeared in 40 career games with Seattle and Tennessee, mainly on special teams.

Smith appeared in nine games (three starts) with the Titans last year. The special teams standout could be added to the practice squad.

With the Titans since 2017, Smith missed all of 2018 with injury before making three starts last season. He will serve as experienced depth on defense while contributing on special teams.

Already missing Malcolm Butler (wrist) and LeShaun Sims (ankle), Jackson’s injury leaves the Titans extremely shorthanded in the secondary. He logged two tackles prior to exiting. With Jackson hobbled, Tye Smith and Kareem Orr will work on the perimeter with Logan Ryan manning the slot for Tennessee.

Coming out of small-school Towson, Smith (6'0/195) stumbled at the Combine, running a 4.60 40-yard dash. Those are slow wheels for a corner. Smith will have to earn his keep on special teams.

Smith (6'0/195) made 42 starts for the Towson Tigers, recording six career INTs and six forced fumbles. He was a first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association pick as a senior. Smith showed sub-par athleticism at the Combine, running 4.60 with a 36 1/2-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jump. A good lower-level college corner, Smith will need time to develop and should be able to come along slow it in Seattle.