Monday, June 24, 2013

Brad Smith playing 'translator' between QBs, WRs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Brad Smith has been the definition of "utility player" since entering the NFL in 2006 with the New York Jets.

Now in his third offseason with the Buffalo Bills and under a brand new regime, Smith is putting his wisdom to use by helping streamline communication between the two offensive positions he's been dangling between the past half decade. (photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

“I can talk to Kevin Kolb and E.J. Manuel, then come over to the receivers and kind of translate it,” Smith told Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. “And vice versa. I definitely see the benefits of it."

Smith spent some time in a Wildcat signal-caller role with the Jets, and Buffalo had him working primarily as a quarterback last offseason. While he threw a pair of picks in as many pass attempts last season, he still sees value in his positional knowledge, especially give the style of system new offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett is implementing.

“The way this offense goes, how uptempo it is, you might see some reads, some option-type stuff," Smith said. "You never know what you’re going to see from coach Hackett. He’s such a creative guy.”

Smith is slated to make $3.75 million this season. While he also has some value on special teams, Buffalo will be hard pressed to keep him a Bill at that price, as they're using him primarily as a receiver at this point and already have a stable of young, cheaper wideouts with much higher upside.

But until they decide to keep or drop him, they'll take advantage of his communication skills.

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