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The Kansas City Chiefs Sign Center Wade Smith

Smith will be one of many new offensive linemen. From the mother ship:

Smith (6-4, 296) has worked primarily at tackle during his NFL career, but is expected to compete at center with Kansas City. He played in 14 games as a reserve offensive lineman and on special teams for the N.Y. Jets in 2007. He spent two seasons (2006-07) with the Jets, appearing in 23 contests. The sixth-year pro has seen action in 45 games, opening 18 contests at left tackle. Prior to joining the Jets, Smith spent three campaigns (2003-05) with Miami after entering the NFL as a third-round draft choice (78th overall) of the Dolphins in 2003.

Smith started all 16 games at left tackle for the Dolphins as a rookie, earning consensus all-rookie honors. He joined tackles Richmond Webb and Todd Wade as only the third rookie tackle in franchise history to open all 16 games. Smith spent the entire 2005 campaign on injured reserve with Miami after suffering a forearm injury in training camp. He attended camp with the Dolphins in 2006, but was released prior to the start of the regular season.

The Memphis product was a four-year letterman and two-year starter at left tackle for the Tigers. Smith was named second-team All-Conference USA as a senior. He led Lake Highland High School of Lake Highland, Texas to the regional title in ‘98.
So the Chiefs love Miami Dolphin linemen cast aways and they'll sign a Jet even if Herm didn't coach him.

All kidding aside, this is another prototypical player Herm Edwards said the Chiefs were going to pick up -- young, second contract-ish (not a word, I know) and not necessarily a starter.

Smith's name came up a couple times last week when he was checking out various teams. He chose the Chiefs presumably for the chance to start.

Smith is a utility type linemen at best so still expect the Chiefs to be looking at centers in the draft.

Note: I erroneously reported last week that Smith spent time with the Jets in 2003 while Herm Edwards was there. That was incorrect.

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