Patriots release cornerback Smith
FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots released cornerback Otis Smith on Wednesday, less than three months after re-signing the 14-year veteran. The team offered no explanation for the move. The 38-year-old Smith played with the Detroit Lions last season, starting the final 13 games and finished with 59 tackles, one interception and 1.5 sacks.
Smith, a key contributor during New England's run to 2002 Super Bowl, has 525 career tackles, including 5.5 sacks. He has 29 interceptions for 645 yards and seven touchdowns.
He signed with Philadelphia as a rookie free agent in 1990 and spent five seasons with the Eagles before joining the Jets in 1995. He signed with the Patriots in 1996, starting nine games, including the playoffs and 1997 Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.
He rejoined the Jets in 1997 and was re-signed by New England before the 2000 season.
Smith's interception of St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner set up a field goal in the 2002 Super Bowl, which New England won 20-17.
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