Titans Sign Smith

[j25352857]

Titans cut salary and find a good replacement for George. Smith can do the job when not asked to do it all (2 SB wins in New England). Though Brown will probably be the starter, should be interesting to watch.

July 22, 2004

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A day after cutting Eddie George, the Tennessee Titans signed another running back Antowain Smith, New England's leading rusher the past three seasons.

Smith, 32, agreed Thursday to take substantially less than the $2.5 million base salary demanded by George. The Titans have been fighting the salary cap to fill out their roster and sign all their draft picks.

The battle over money led to the departure of George, who was offered a $1.5 million deal before he was released Wednesday.


Smith, who led the Patriots with 642 yards rushing for a 3.5 average last season, reportedly will make $660,000 with a $25,000 signing bonus. He will compete for time with second-year man Chris Brown and Robert Holcombe.

``Tennessee presented the best option to me to win a third Super Bowl ring,'' said Smith, who was on New England's two Super Bowl winners.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound back led the Patriots in rushing each of his three seasons there. Over a career that includes four seasons with Buffalo -- where he was a first round pick in 1997 -- he has rushed for 5,713 yards and has a 3.9 yards per carry average.

His last 1,000-yard season was in 2001.

``I am not here to fill Eddie George's shoes. Those are very large shoes to fill,'' Smith said. ``I am here to do whatever is asked of me, help the team win and not step on any toes.''

The team also signed two draft picks: lineman Jacob Bell and center Eugene Amano.

The 6-4, 306-pound Bell was selected in the fifth round of the draft out of Miami (Ohio). Amano is a 6-foot-3, 295-pound 7th round pick out of Southeast Missouri State.

[jeff061]

Smith will have a good first year, then suck til he's cut.

[pennywisesb]

Originally Posted by jeff061

Smith will have a good first year, then suck til he's cut.

Smith has never had a good year, what makes you think he'll start now?

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I will always remember Smith running through defenses in the playoffs of 2001-2002, especially the Raiders in OT in the snow. As out of shape and sometimes lazy as he was (disappearing in the regular season at least), the guy could always find the endzone when around the goal line -- something the Pats were sorely missing for years. I have to love the guy. Just gotta.

[judicial clerk]

What a bullshit call.

[KevinNU7]

Originally Posted by jeff061

Smith will have a good first year, then suck til he's cut.

so true

[Leonidas]

I suppose Smith is cheaper than George, but I think Smith has even less in the tank left than Eddie. Smith has not had a good year in three years. They are just taking a flyer on him. I'll wager a goodly amount George puts up better numbers in D-Town.