TallySaint

Vikings intrigue Smith but Bucs still in picture

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published July 25, 2006



TAMPA - Safety Dwight Smith will complete a two-day visit with the Minnesota Vikings today but said he would sign with the Buccaneers for one year if he is unable to attract a long-term deal with another team.

After the Saints failed in their efforts to trade him, Smith was released despite having four years remaining on a $15-million contract.




In Minnesota, Smith would be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, who coached the Bucs' secondary the past five seasons.

Smith, 27, said Monday he is excited about the possibility of playing in a Vikings secondary with safety Darren Sharper and cornerbacks Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield. He would compete with Tank Williams for a starting job.

"I'm on my way to Minnesota right now," Smith said Monday. "I mean, there's a bunch of teams we're talking to and we'll just see what the best situation is going to be for me and go from there.

"It would be great to be reunited with Mike (Tomlin) and then you get to play the other safety next to Darren Sharper and that's pretty intriguing. But we'll just have to see."




In Tampa Bay, Smith would give the Bucs more depth and flexibility in the secondary. Veteran Jermaine Phillips has been plagued by injuries, missing 12 games in the past three years. Will Allen is expected to take over at free safety from Dexter Jackson, who signed as a free agent with the Bengals.

Smith also is capable of playing cornerback in nickel passing situations. In 49 starts, he has 14 career interceptions.

However, Smith said the Bucs are only offering a one-year contract. Tampa Bay players report to training camp Thursday in Celebration and Smith said he would like to have the situation resolved by then.

"Like I told (the Bucs), if I do a one-year deal, I'll be here in Tampa," Smith said. "I know I'll get lots of playing time. I'm also established here. I have a home here and I know my way around town."




Smith said he also is considering an offer from the Baltimore Ravens, who happen to be the Bucs' first regular-season opponent.


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