Jets SS Eric Smith played the last five games with a torn meniscus in his knee and will undergo offseason surgery. Smith was a media whipping boy for blowing coverages, particularly late in the year. The fact he was playing hurt may explain his struggles. Set to turn 29 in March, Smith's salary leaps from $700,000 to $3 million. Smith had 89 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, but it's questionable whether he'll return.

Eric Smith remains the Jets' full-time starter at strong safety. Brodney Pool hasn't come close to getting his old job back. Smith remains an option for the Jets on special teams, but his main focus is now on the defense. In six spot starts last season, Smith had 39 tackles, one sack and no interceptions.

Coach Rex Ryan said Eric Smith is still the starting strong safety even though Brodney Pool was surprisingly re-signed. We're not sure how long Ryan can stick to this one. Smith is one of the better special teams players in the league and Pool is a better playmaker on defense. At least rotating the two would make sense, killing any IDP value.

Coach Rex Ryan has anointed Eric Smith the Jets' new starting strong safety, replacing Brodney Pool. Pool is a free agent and has drawn no known interest on the open market. Smith isn't a playmaker, but picked up Ryan's system quickly last season and plays with smarts and aggression. This still isn't a great situation for IDP value.

Jets agreed to terms with S Eric Smith on a three-year contract. Smith has just two INTs over the past four seasons, but didn't embarrass himself in eight starts last year and racked up 12 tackles on special teams. He may start at one of the safety spots in 2011 if Brodney Pool isn't re-signed.

The Jets have extended an offer to free agent S Eric Smith, a source tells the Star-Ledger. The Jets are still trying to get business done even as Nnamdi Asomugha holds them hostage. Smith is a core special teamer, has experience in the defense and is thought to be a priority for the Jets.

The Broncos have shown interest in free agent S Eric Smith. The Jets are also working to re-sign him. Denver is loaded to the brim at safety, so that wouldn't seem like a particularly desirable landing spot for Smith. The Broncos just drafted their safety tandem of the future in FS Rahim Moore and SS Quinton Carter. Brian Dawkins is also supposedly coming back.

The Jets are trying to re-sign free agent S Eric Smith. Smith's experience in the scheme is paramount, and he's made starts for Rex Ryan before. The New York Daily News does report that Smith is weighing offers from other clubs. The Jets currently have an opening at free safety. It's unclear whether they're interested in re-signing incumbent Brodney Pool.