Eric Smith (American football)

Eric Smith (born March 17, 1983) is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.

New York Jets
Smith was selected 97th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. Smith had been rising on many draft boards in the weeks leading up to the draft as he was praised for his instincts and physicality on the field. The Jets signed Smith to a contract on July 21, 2006.
 * 2006 Season

Smith recorded 27 tackles in 15 games during his rookie season. He also added two interceptions, recording his first against former Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Frye.

In 15 games, Smith recorded 40 tackles and 5 passes defensed.
 * 2007 season

On September 28, 2008, Smith was fined $50,000 and suspended one game because of a helmet-to-helmet collision with Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals, which caused Boldin to be hospitalized.
 * 2008 season

Smith finished the season with 32 tackles, 4 passes defensed and an interception.

Smith was primarily utilized as a back up defender and on special teams. In 16 games, he recorded a career high 48 tackles, 6 pass defensed and an interception.
 * 2009 season

In the team's week two matchup against the New England Patriots, Smith delivered a hit to wide receiver Wes Welker and was flagged for hitting a defenseless receiver. Smith apologized to Welker during the game, which Welker accepted, and was later fined $7,500 by the league.
 * 2010 season

Smith re-signed with Jets on July 30, 2011 to a three-year deal worth $7.5 million.
 * 2011 season

Smith is out for the rest of the Jets’ preseason schedule. He suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury on his left knee during the August 10 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. An MRI came back negative. He was released from the Jets on February 19, 2013.
 * 2012 season