Just two days after he was released by the Raiders, veteran defensive lineman Antonio Smith has found a new home in the AFC West. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), via agent Drew Rosenhaus, Smith has agreed to a one-year, $2MM deal with the Broncos.
Smith, 33, spent five years with the Cardinals and then five years with the Texans before signing with the Raiders last March. A Pro Bowler in Houston, Smith played nearly 800 snaps at defensive tackle for Oakland in 2014 before he was cut. His overall -3.9 Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) wasn’t bad, though that final number comes from a combination of an excellent pass-rushing grade (+18.3) and a subpar grade against the run (-20.0).
The Texans were said to be very interested in reuniting with Smith, reaching out to him shortly after he hit the free agent market this week. However, it makes sense that the Broncos would’ve been involved in the bidding as well — new Denver head coach Gary Kubiak, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and defensive line coach Bill Kollar were all in Houston during Smith’s time there.