MOBILE, Ala. — Former South Alabama wide receiver Courtney Smith has signed with the New York Jets, according to multiple reports Tuesday. Terms of the Courtney Smith contract were not disclosed.
Word of the signing first appeared on Smith’s Facebook page before being reported by several websites.
Scouting Outlook
NYJetsDraft.com described Smith as “a super rangy player with absolutely massive upside at the next level,” noting his hands and his ability to stretch the field. The site called him “a bit of a project” with potential to pay off down the road.
Familiar Faces in New York
The Jets reached the AFC Championship Game last season, falling 24-19 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, one win short of the Super Bowl.
New York selected former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy in this year’s NFL Draft. McElroy worked with Smith at the Senior Bowl in January and joked afterward that he enjoyed throwing to such a big target.
Pre-Draft Workouts
Smith, a 6-foot-4 receiver, took part in the University of Alabama’s pro day, where he participated only in agility drills. He showcased his receiving skills for NFL scouts at a separate pro day held at South Alabama.
In January, Smith became the first South Alabama player to participate in the Senior Bowl, played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
Signing Follows End of NFL Lockout
Yahoo! Sports and other outlets had reported that Smith was scheduled to make an official visit to the Jets on Tuesday.
The visit and signing come after NFL players and owners accepted an agreement that keeps the season on schedule. Under the agreement, teams may begin signing their own free agents and negotiating with others, but could not sign unrestricted free agents until noon Eastern time Tuesday. Contracts will not take effect until Tuesday, Aug. 2.
