The NFL has just concluded its first calendar week of 2023 free agency.
The first week is always the most intense, the most active, and where teams make their biggest splash and or blunder.
Former Washington Redskins’ defensive back Fred Smoot didn’t hesitate however to warn those free agents wanting to change teams. Smoot warned them in the very opening minute of the Command Center episode, “Free Agent Frenzy.”
Julie Donaldson opened the episode by announcing the episode’s focus would be the free-agent activity of the Commanders during the past week. Logan Paulsen was next proclaiming he feels the week has become much more of an event than he recalls it being when he was an NFL tight end.
Smoot’s opening comments no doubt surprised his audience when he opened, “It’s more NBA-ish right now. Right now, the offseason is all about the draft and all about free agency. (It’s) all about guys finding new homes. But I can say this, as a guy that did it. The grass is not always greener on the other side.”
Smoot was drafted in the second round (45th overall) in 2001 by Marty Schottenheimer. Smoot proved to be a good choice, starting 13, 16, 15 and 15 games in his four seasons in Washington (2001-2004).
The former Mississippi State Bulldog corner back then determined he would try his way in the open NFL free agency market. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2005. But after only two seasons in Minnesota, Smoot was released.
He returned to Washington for three more seasons, playing in Burgundy and Gold from the 2007 through the 2009 seasons.
Apparently, Smoot is warning anyone wanting to listen that by picking up and moving to another job, team, or city; you are naive to think the world is always going to be better for you in your new circumstances.
