The Denver Broncos added more depth at cornerback and on special teams when they signed Tremon Smith to a two-year contract last month.
Smith has only started five games on defense in his career, including four over the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. After breaking up four passes and intercepting two others last year, Smith has proven to be more than just a special teams ace, but his biggest contributions in Denver will likely come as a returner.
“With Smith, I see a player that obviously competes outside of corner,” coach Sean Payton said at the NFL owners’ meetings last week. “I see an elite special teams player. Corner, special teams — I see 24 snaps [a game]. You have to look at it that way. The vision is pretty clear.”
Smith played 361 snaps on special teams and 202 snaps on defense with the Texans in 2022. He’s been far more involved on special teams (1,163 snaps) than on defense (462 snaps) through five seasons in the NFL.
Smith returned 19 kickoffs for 417 yards and four punts for 53 yards in Houston last season. He’s now set to compete with Montrell Washington for the Broncos’ kick return duties this summer.
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