The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found a veteran linebacker to complement Pro Bowler Lavonte David and promising second-year tackler Kwon Alexander.
Former Ravens star Daryl Smith has agreed to terms with the Bucs, the team announced Friday morning. The new contract is for one year, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source involved in the deal.
"We're excited to add a player of Daryl's caliber to our defense," general manager Jason Licht said. "He's a smart, consistent linebacker who has performed at a very high level throughout his career. Daryl's combination of leadership and experience will serve us well."
Smith, 34, has started 172-of-174 regular season games in his career. He ranks fourth among active players in total tackles and is one of only four active players to record at least 30 sacks and 10 interceptions (Karlos Dansby, Julius Peppers, Lawrence Timmons).
Smith is expected to start at strongside linebacker after the Buccaneers released Bruce Carter and declined to tender a contract to Danny Lansanah.
It's fitting that Smith would finish his career in Tampa. He played under new defensive coordinator Mike Smith and linebackers coach Mark Duffner for years in Jacksonville, back when current Bucs coach Dirk Koetter was running the Jaguars offense.
