Especially now that he's getting better and more experienced. Having B. Smith around when your QB is a rookie is very useful... when said QB starts developing, not as much...
Wasn't B. Smith involved in a lot of defensive special team plays? I could have sworn I recall Westhoff saying something to the effect that b smith is important for reasons that don't show up on highlight reels - I'm less worried about loosing his return capabilities and more concerned with loosing a hard working special teams guy, but if he costs too much, theres nothing to do but try to get the best special team replacement we can afford.
He proved himself as a great kick returner last year. His explosive speed and incredible ability to read blocks and avoid tackles made him and exciting player to watch--displaying talent similar to that of our previous star returners; Justin Miller and CHAD MORTON. I want him to stay! We can use him in so many positions and he is clearly and effort player. DONT LEAVE US BRAD!
He made some big plays and he is an all purpose player but at the end of the day he is a glorified Kick Returner. Best of luck to you brad go find some other sucker to overpay you.
Brad Smith was the Jets Special teams leading return tackler with 15, and also had a league leading 3 return saves. (Preventing a TD) So yes his skills are not just while he's holding the ball.
He is a great coverage guy, and it really helps your game day roster if your KOR can play on coverage teams as well (most can't). That said it'll be a lot easier to find a replacement coverage guy than it will be to get a top notch returner.
Brads whole situation reminds me of Armanti Edwards, The kid ooozes talent but what do you do with him. Both are "supposed" to be WR but neither really are, but the biggest difference I see is they both started off as QB but Armanti actually has the talent to play that position where as Brad as a great KR/ST specialist needs to develop into a WR full time.
