Texans sign Titans’ defensive tackle Robaire Smith
HOUSTON (AP) — Some of the missing pieces are starting to come together for the Houston Texans defense.
A day after re-signing defensive end Gary Walker to a six-year, $30 million deal, the Texans signed free agent defensive tackle Robaire Smith to a six-year deal worth $23.3 million.
Smith, who played the past four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, will get an $8.35 million signing bonus.
Moving into the Texans’ 3-4 defense from the Titans’ 4-3 won’t be a problem for Smith, coach Dom Capers said.
“That’s a problem that is overstated,” Capers said. “We had the same conversation when Gary Walker came over. They were saying ‘could Gary Walker do it?’ and he made the Pro Bowl the first year.”
Capers also expects nose tackle Seth Payne to return from the third operation on his left knee.
Owner Bob McNair is delighted with the additions.
“We’ve strengthened ourselves and I don’t know if the other teams in our division can say that,” McNair said. “Now we have more arrows in our quiver. It’s going to make it easier to compete in our division.”
In four seasons with the Titans, Smith had 168 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He was selected by Tennessee in the sixth round of the 2000 draft out of Michigan State.
“I feel this is a team on the rise,” Smith said. “Last year they were only five or six plays from making the playoffs. I feel confident coming here that I’ll still be pushing to the playoffs.”
Smith said a chance to work with Walker helped his decision.
“I respect Gary so much,” Smith said. “There’s no telling how many times I watched him on film. That was a part of my decision to be here.”
The Texans also introduced tackle Todd Wade, a free agent from the Miami Dolphins who will probably star in Houston. A league source said Wade agreed to a six-year, $30 million deal, including a $10 million signing bonus.
Wade wasn’t convinced until he visited the Texans and coaching staff.
“I’m loyal to the team I’m with but my time in Miami is over,” Wade said. “Once I got here and saw what they had, that was enough to convince me, plus the contract.”
The Texans have been trying to build a solid offensive line since Tony Boselli retired because of injuries. Wade is expected to step in as the starting right tackle.
The Texans also re-signed guard Todd Washington who started 14 games last season.