Derek Smith (linebacker)

Derek Mecham Smith (born January 18, 1975) is a retired American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.

Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins.

College career
At Arizona State University, Smith was good friends with Pat Tillman and was a teammate to Jake Plummer.

Washington Redskins
Smith played for the Redskins for four years from 1997 to 2000.

San Francisco 49ers
Smith then signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2001. He played with the team through 2007 before being waived on February 19, 2008.

San Diego Chargers
On February 24, 2008, the Chargers signed Smith to a two-year contract. He was released ten weeks into the regular season on November 12 after running back Michael Bennett was claimed off waivers.

Miami Dolphins
Smith was signed by the Miami Dolphins on December 22, 2008. The move came a day after starting linebacker Channing Crowder missed the team's Week 16 contest with a knee injury.