Jets Make a Move by Signing Keidron Smith
The New York Jets have made headlines by signing safety Keidron Smith from the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. This decision, announced by the team on Monday, marks a significant step for the young athlete as he transitions to a more prominent role in the NFL.
Background on Keidron Smith
Keidron Smith entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Over the past three years, he has been entrenched in the Broncos’ system, primarily focusing on special teams. His journey also included brief spells with the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. Last season, he appeared in nine games for Denver, where he recorded seven combined tackles over a total of 138 snaps. Notably, only 16 of those snaps were spent on defense, highlighting his contributions primarily on special teams.
Praise from the Coaching Staff
The Jets are optimistic about Smith’s potential, especially given the compliments he received from Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph in August 2024. Joseph noted, “We have a lot of young guys playing well, and he’s one of them. He’s had two good weeks. He’s a guy that’s played some corner, nickel, and safety for us. He has the traits that we like.”
Joseph’s assessment highlights Smith’s versatility. He possesses skills in man coverage, tackling, and even blitzing. “It’s his first time playing safety at a full-time appointment, so he’s tackling, he’s making plays,” Joseph added. “He can surely cover, so that’s a skill set that you want to ensure guys can get the balls in the back end.” Such endorsements suggest that the Jets are acquiring a player with promising capabilities.
What’s Next for the Broncos?
With Smith’s departure, the Broncos face questions about their roster dynamics moving forward. His absence from the active roster had already raised eyebrows, and now the team must adapt to his signing with the Jets. The landscape of the NFL continues to shift as teams make strategic decisions that could impact their future performances.
As the Jets integrate Smith into their lineup, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he leverages his skills in a new environment. The Jets’ decision to sign him reflects their commitment to enhancing their defensive capabilities and building a competitive roster.
