Chargers sign LB Smith: Derek Smith, released Tuesday by the San Francisco 49ers, agreed to a two-year deal with the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Smith, whose role with the 49ers was assumed last season by rookie Patrick Willis, will bolster San Diego's inside linebackers group. Smith was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1997 and played four seasons under Norv Turner, who is entering his second season as San Diego's head coach. (Updated 02/25/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/20/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Smith has long been one of the NFL's top unsung defensive players, annually racking up gaudy tackling statistics with little fanfare. He made at least 123 tackles in each of his first nine NFL seasons. Unless he snares a starting LB job with the Chargers away from Stephen Cooper or Matt Wilhelm, Smith won't be worth owning in 2008 play. At best, he's worth a late-round pick this summer. (Updated 02/25/2008).
LB Derek Smith will be asked not to let the production or play of the defense slip with Stephen Cooper suspended for the first four games. Last year Matt Wilhelm, another starting inside linebacker, was injured early in the year the Chargers went 0-3. Smith is a pro's pro as he enters his 12th season in a career which has seen him collect at least 100 tackles in a year nine times. Last year for the 49ers, he had 98 tackles. Smith signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in February, so he has had the offseason to get accustomed to the 3-4 defense the team runs. The coaches are hopeful Smith hits the ground running as he will be asked to contribute immediately, starting with the Sept. 7 opener against the Panthers. 07/17/2008
No information available at this time.
Chargers sign LB Smith: Derek Smith, released Tuesday by the San Francisco 49ers, agreed to a two-year deal with the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Smith, whose role with the 49ers was assumed last season by rookie Patrick Willis, will bolster San Diego's inside linebackers group. Smith was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1997 and played four seasons under Norv Turner, who is entering his second season as San Diego's head coach. (Updated 02/25/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/20/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Smith has long been one of the NFL's top unsung defensive players, annually racking up gaudy tackling statistics with little fanfare. He made at least 123 tackles in each of his first nine NFL seasons. Unless he snares a starting LB job with the Chargers away from Stephen Cooper or Matt Wilhelm, Smith won't be worth owning in 2008 play. At best, he's worth a late-round pick this summer. (Updated 02/25/2008).
