<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Saints release starting safety SmithPosted: Friday July 21, 2006 5:32PM; Updated: Friday July 21, 2006 5:32PMFree E-mail AlertsE-mail ThisPrint ThisSave ThisMost PopularRSS AggregatorsNEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Dwight Smith, who started at safety for the New Orleans Saints last season, has been released after unsuccessful attempts to trade him, the team said on Friday.Smith, who turns 28 next month, signed a five-year contract as a free agent last year. But he didn't seem to fit into the plans of the new coaching staff.Under Sean Payton, the Saints added veteran safety Omar Stoutmire in free agency, traded for veteran safety Bryan Scott and drafted safety Roman Harper in the second round. Those three will compete for roster spots along with incumbents Josh Bullocks, Jay Bellamy and Steve Gleason once the team opens training camp July 27, in Jackson, Miss. Stoutmire and Bullocks are the projected starters."We're just going to go with some younger guys. That's what it comes down to," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said.Smith said several teams already have shown interest in him, including Tampa Bay, where he played four seasons. He also mentioned Minnesota, Oakland and Dallas."At least now I get a chance to get in training camp somewhere, to see who's going to give me the best opportunity to really come in and work and start. And somebody might want to sign me long term, so we'll see," said Smith.Smith has 14 career interceptions in the regular season, and he returned two for touchdowns during the Buccaneers' victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.The Saints will save Smith's salary of $1.2 million against the salary cap this year. He was scheduled to earn salaries of $1.6 million, $2.5 million and $3.5 million over the following three seasons. The team will still be charged the remainder of his $3.5 million signing bonus over the next two years.Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.</div>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/foot...s.ap/index.html
This guy is a stud, I love his play. I would love for him with the Patriots. I doubt that though, because we have a load of Safety's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Vikings | Team reportedly has better financial offer for D. SmithFri, 21 Jul 2006 23:51:16 -0700Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports the Minnesota Vikings appear to have put together the better financial package for free agent SS Dwight Smith (Saints). The Vikings are competing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Smith, with both teams contact Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus.Buccaneers | Team interested in signing D. SmithFri, 21 Jul 2006 23:50:57 -0700Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested in signing free agent SS Dwight Smith (Saints). The Buccaneers appear to be competing with the Minnesota Vikings for Smith, with both teams contacting Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. It is believed the Vikings currently have the better financial package offered for Smith's services.Cowboys | Team evaluating signing D. SmithFri, 21 Jul 2006 18:38:13 -0700Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are evaluating whether to sign free agent S Dwight Smith, (Saints) who was released by the New Orleans Saints Thursday, July 20. According to a source, the Cowboys' interest has nothing to do with S Keith Davis' situation but rather taking advantage of opportunity to add another good player to the team. Raiders | Team showing interest in D. SmithFri, 21 Jul 2006 06:02:54 -0700Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports free agent S Dwight Smith (Saints) said several teams already have shown interest in him. He mentioned the Oakland Raiders as one of those teams.</div>
