Andre

Smith Jr.

Smith appeared in 11 games for the Falcons last season, totaling 19 tackles. The veteran linebacker has played in 62 career games since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2018 and has just one career start to his name. If he makes the Broncos’ 53-man roster, it will likely be as a contributor on special teams.

Smith appeared in 15 games for the Bills last year, taking all of his snaps on special teams. He totaled 10 tackles and recovered one fumble. Buffalo signed him to a two-year deal last offseason.

Smith was a restricted free agent. The new deal keeps the special teamer signed through 2022.

Smith was acquired from the Panthers just five days ago. Perhaps it was with an eye toward getting Smith on the Bills’ practice squad.

It will be for a conditional future Day 3 pick given that the Panthers were set to send Smith to waivers. Smith was a 2018 seventh-round pick out of North Carolina and isn’t a lock to make the final roster in Buffalo. He’ll need to quickly prove himself on special teams or will end up out of the league or on a practice squad.

Smith (6’0/237) turned pro despite tearing his left meniscus just two games into his 2017 junior season, all told logging 8.5 career tackles for loss and two sacks as the starting middle linebacker when healthy. Recovered in time for the Combine, Smith ran 4.63 and did 19 reps on the bench. A sure tackler and stocky banger against the run, Smith’s limitations come in pass coverage and prevent him from being a true three-down prospect. Smith’s early NFL ticket will be on special teams.