Saints sign former first-round pick Smith

Apr 11, 2013 - 7:07 PM Metairie, LA (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Saints announced Thursday that the team has agreed to terms with offensive tackle Jason Smith on a one-year contract.

Smith, selected by St. Louis with the No. 2 overall choice in the 2009 draft, was released by the New York Jets in February. He appeared in all 16 games last season -- his lone one with the Jets -- serving as a reserve tackle and extra blocker as a tight end.

The former Baylor All-American, who turns 27 on April 30, was traded to the Jets by the Rams last August following a disappointing and injury-plagued three-year tenure in St. Louis. Smith made just 26 starts over that span while missing large portions of the 2009 and 2011 campaigns with concussion-related issues.

New Orleans had been seeking additional depth along the offensive line after starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod signed with Chicago as a free agent in March.