Texans could scoop Antonio Smith up quickly

By Ryan Ratty | Mar 31, 2015

Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52), defensive tackle Antonio Smith (94) and defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sack San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Antonio Smith, who played for the Houston Texans from 2009 to 2013, could have a reunion with the team in the foreseeable future.

Antonio Smith was released by the Oakland Raiders Tuesday afternoon. After just one season, Smith had just 20 tackles and three sacks. Considering 2014 fourth-round pick Justin Ellis is a part of their long-term plans, the Raiders really had no space for Smith, which is why they released him. Despite being 33 years old, one team who could be the perfect suitor for his services is the Houston Texans.

Playing for the team from 2009 to 2013, Smith enjoyed the most success of his career in Houston as a defensive tackle there. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans are in talks to bring back the Antonio Smith. Rapoport also reported that this deal could move rather quickly.

The #Texans are in discussions about bringing back versatile DL Antonio Smith, who was just released by the #Raiders. Could move quickly.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 31, 2015

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Despite Rapoport garnering more of the attention, the

Houston Chronicle

originally reported the news of Smith and how the reunion could be coming soon. As the Chronicle reported, Romeo Crennel wanted to keep him last year, but the Raiders paid him a hefty price tag at $4 million, which was too much for the Texans.

Although the Texans and Smith have mutual interest in each other, the fact of the matter is that Houston is set with their defensive line. In their 3-4 defensive front, J.J. Watt and Jared Crick are the 5-technique defensive ends, while newly-acquired Vince Wilfork is the beef in the middle of the defensive line as the nose tackle. That said, if the Texans do in fact sign Smith, it will likely be for rotational purposes. Despite that, judging by the mutual interest between the two sides, don’t be surprised if this transaction happens soon.

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