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Dolphins add former Cowboys linebacker to practice squad
By Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel 3:51 PM EDT, September 1, 2008
DAVIE - The Dolphins signed inside linebacker Tyson Smith to the practice squad on Monday.
Smith, an Iowa State product who joins his sixth NFL team since 2005, spent a good portion of last season on the Cowboys practice squad.
Dolphins' defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who coaches the Cowboys' linebackers last season, was familiar with Smith's body of work and apparently lobbied for the 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker to join the Dolphins.
During the exhibition season Smith, who is 26, contributed 14 tackles and one interception in the four games he played for Dallas.
"I thought I played well enough stay in Dallas but they went in another direction," said Smith, who picked the Dolphins over the Vikings because of his familiarity with the 3-4 scheme Pasqualoni is running. "I'm reunited with coach Pasqualoni so that made me really happy to become a Miami Dolphin."
In 2006 Smith played in three games with the Giants and contributed five tackles. He's bounced around the NFL since. He's also spent a season playing in NFL Europa with the Rhein Fire.
During his career as a four-year starter at Iowa State Smith contributed 225 tackles and 12 ½ sacks as a defensive end.
While he's not on the Dolphins 53-man roster, Smith will serve as the fourth inside linebacker this season, backing up starters Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele, and key reserve Reggie Torbor.
With Smith's signing the Dolphins now have two vacancies on the practice squad, which can only hold eight players. There's a possibility former AFL standout receiver Anthony Armstrong might return to the Dolphins as a practice squad member.
By Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel 3:51 PM EDT, September 1, 2008
DAVIE - The Dolphins signed inside linebacker Tyson Smith to the practice squad on Monday.
Smith, an Iowa State product who joins his sixth NFL team since 2005, spent a good portion of last season on the Cowboys practice squad.
Dolphins' defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who coaches the Cowboys' linebackers last season, was familiar with Smith's body of work and apparently lobbied for the 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker to join the Dolphins.
During the exhibition season Smith, who is 26, contributed 14 tackles and one interception in the four games he played for Dallas.
"I thought I played well enough stay in Dallas but they went in another direction," said Smith, who picked the Dolphins over the Vikings because of his familiarity with the 3-4 scheme Pasqualoni is running. "I'm reunited with coach Pasqualoni so that made me really happy to become a Miami Dolphin."
In 2006 Smith played in three games with the Giants and contributed five tackles. He's bounced around the NFL since. He's also spent a season playing in NFL Europa with the Rhein Fire.
During his career as a four-year starter at Iowa State Smith contributed 225 tackles and 12 ½ sacks as a defensive end.
While he's not on the Dolphins 53-man roster, Smith will serve as the fourth inside linebacker this season, backing up starters Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele, and key reserve Reggie Torbor.
With Smith's signing the Dolphins now have two vacancies on the practice squad, which can only hold eight players. There's a possibility former AFL standout receiver Anthony Armstrong might return to the Dolphins as a practice squad member.
