ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders have signed veteran cross rusher Preston Smith, bolstering a defensive position that simply misplaced one among its starters.
The Commanders introduced Wednesday that cornerback Jonathan Jones was positioned on injured reserve to unencumber a roster spot for Smith, who returns to Washington after spending the primary 4 seasons of his profession with the franchise.
Smith ought to assist offset the lack of defensive finish Deatrich Sensible Jr., who was positioned on IR earlier this week after struggling a season-ending torn left quadriceps in a Week 2 loss at Inexperienced Bay.
Washington had signed Sensible within the offseason, desirous to strengthen its run protection with a robust edge setter.
Smith, 32, returns to the group that drafted him within the second spherical in 2015. He recorded 24.5 sacks with Washington earlier than becoming a member of the Packers by way of free company in 2019. He performed for the Packers till they traded him to the Steelers for a seventh-round decide halfway via final season.
Smith has 70.5 profession sacks, with 44 coming throughout his time with the Packers. He completed with two sacks in eight video games final season for the Steelers.
At 6-foot-5 and 265 kilos, Smith provides versatility; he can rush from the tip or inside in addition to from a stand-up place. He has performed in each four- and three-man fronts. The Commanders like to make use of totally different fronts and line packages.