Obstacles for Former New York Giants Tight End to Make D.C. Defenders
The D.C. Defenders have announced the signing of veteran NFL tight end Kaden Smith. The San Francisco 49ers initially selected the Stanford standout in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
However, his time in San Francisco was short, as Smith would be released during his rookie season and picked up by the New York Giants. Smith would spend three seasons with the Giants, starting 22 games, registering 52 receptions for 413 yards and three touchdowns.
His most memorable performance for New York came against Washington in his rookie year, where he caught six passes for 35 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning score in overtime.
The DC Defenders have signed TE Kaden Smith per @UFL_PR
— United Football Media (@The_UFM) March 2, 2024
He was a 6th rd draft pick out of Stanford by the @49ers before going to the @Giants where he had 52 receptions, 413 yards, and 3 TDs over 3 years.
Early candidate for best TE this year? 👀pic.twitter.com/ki06BnWC9c
Injuries however would slow his time as a contributor in the NFL. Smith would injure his knee late in the 2021 season, and New York released him after a failed physical in the offseason.
It would take over a year for Smith to get back, signing with the Indianapolis Colts in the spring of 2023 but was let go last summer. The Washington Commanders would pick him up, but Smith was eventually placed on injured reserve to close training camp.
The Defenders are returning two of their top tight ends from last season, Briley Moore and Alex Ellis, but the team parted ways with veteran Ethan Wolf in December.
If finally healthy, Smith has a chance even as a later arrival in camp to make an impact for D.C. However, time is working against him. UFL teams must cut down their rosters to 58 by March 9. Final cuts arrive on March 23rd in preparation for the Defenders' opener at the San Antonio Brahmas on March 31.
After adding edge rusher Chauncey Rivers and Smith, the Defenders training camp roster is set at 75 players.
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Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.