clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Falcons Sign Former Seahawks OL Jared Smith

The team is making those big splashes in free agency that people have been clamoring for: Kroy Biermann and Jared Smith are now Falcons for 2015.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

You can finally take a deep breath and relax, as this team is now in good hands.

The brain trust opened up their wallets, flush with cap space, to bring in OL Jared Smith. Per the team's press release:

Smith, 6-4, 302 pounds, was originally selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round (241st overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of New Hampshire. He spent part of the 2013 season as a member of the Seahawks practice squad before suffering an injury. Smith was waived prior to the start of training camp in 2014.

The Pennsylvania native played in 42 games as a defensive lineman for the Wildcats while totaling 129 tackles (59 solo) 12.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Smith was named an All-American by College Sports Journal and The Sports Network as well as an ECAC D-I FCS All-Star and a member of the All-New England team.

I have reached out to Dave for the lowdown on Smith, as he probably knows the other guy who lives in New Hampshire. Per Dave, Smith "Loves boiled dinner," a New Hampshire delicacy food.

Smith was a pretty competent defensive tackle in college, but the Seahawks drafted him with the intention to move him to the offensive line. In the same way the team moved J.R. Sweezy to offensive line, they had the same hopes for Smith.

Smith worked as a center during his rookie training camp, and may get an outside shot as depth on the final roster or the practice squad, as the team moves to a zone blocking scheme.