Browns release ex-VHS star Smith
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 22, 2002
Mark Smith, a former Vicksburg High star who also played at Hinds Community College and Auburn, was released by the Cleveland Browns on Monday.
Smith, a 6-3, 302-pound defensive tackle, was inactive for Cleveland’s 34-17 victory over Houston on Sunday. He was released in order to open up a roster spot for a defensive back as the Browns start their preparations for this weekend’s game against the New York Jets.
Five Cleveland defensive backs have been injured in recent weeks, leaving the team dangerously thin at that position.
Smith played in five games this season, registering two tackles.
A seventh-round draft pick out of Auburn in 1997, Smith played in all 16 games his rookie season, totaling 38 tackles and six sacks.
His best season came in 1998, however, when he had 72 tackles and nine sacks. He held out over a contract dispute in 1999 and missed all but two games.
He had only 33 tackles and three sacks in 2000, and was released by Arizona after the season.