Offensive tackle Jason Smith might find another gig, but he's out of work in New Orleans.
Saints coach Sean Payton told reporters Wednesday the team has released the embattled bookend who began his star-crossed pro career with the St. Louis Rams as the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Smith struggled from the start in New Orleans. He was manhandled this summer in team drills and quickly fell out of the discussion as a possible solution at left tackle. That job will go to three-year veteran Charles Brown.
Smith, 27, is firmly entrenched as one of the biggest draft busts of the past half-decade. He fell out of favor with the Rams, who drafted him but then quickly lost patience with the human turnstile.
St. Louis traded Smith to the New York Jets last season for the equally disappointing Wayne Hunter. The deal was a mess for both clubs: Hunter was cut by the Rams in March, one month after New York washed its hands of Smith.
The Saints took a chance on Smith in April with a one-year contract. Just four months later, the lineman's career is possibly over.
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