The opportunity for Smith’s return to the franchise arose once defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was ruled out for the rest of the season. They were looking for size and pass-rush depth to replace Wise, and Smith (6-foot-5, 265 pounds) was deemed a good fit for what they were searching for.
“It’s a great feeling, just to know there’s coaches out here that like the talent and who you are as a person,” Smith said. “I’ve heard some great things about him [Quinn], and I’ve known about him for a long time … He’s a guy I’m happy to play for.”
Smith was a mainstay of the Commanders’ defense during his first four-year stint, appearing in 64 games with 50 starts. He became a full-time starter in his second season and made 48 consecutive starts from 2016-18. In that span, he recorded four interceptions, nine pass breakups and two fumble recoveries, one of which was a game-sealing touchdown over the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
There aren’t many players left from Smith’s previous season with the Commanders. Daron Payne, Tress Way and Jeremy Reaves are the only ones who didn’t leave for other opportunities. Josh Johnson, who started three games for Washington in 2018, is the third quarterback on the roster, but he also spent some time away from the team.
Ryan Kerrigan is the other familiar face from Smith’s previous stint, although he’s now the team’s assistant linebackers coach/pass-rush specialist.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Smith said, to have a former teammate as a coach, but it does make things easier for him to work with someone who already has personal knowledge of his skill set.
“He was a great example as a teammate,” Smith said. “He’s been helping me get along in the playbook and getting up to speed with everything. He’s been a great help ever since I met him.”
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