The Cowboys have lost another player in free agency, this time it’s fullback Keith Smith. According to Ian Rapoport, the Oakland Raiders have signed Smith to a two-year deal.
The #Raiders and FB Keith Smith have agreed to terms on a 2-year worth $4.2million, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
That’s a pretty good deal for Smith. Last year his base salary was $690,000 and the Cowboys were probably looking to keep his pay at under a million per year. They had decided not to offer a tender to him as a RFA. After moving over from linebacker, Smith was a quality fullback who could block and catch out of the backfield, although the Cowboys rarely used him as an offensive weapon. But maybe more importantly, he was a very good special teams player.
The Cowboys will have to go to the free agent bin for a new fullback, something that Jason Garrett prefers to have on the roster. There is the possibility they could ask Rod Smith to assume some of that role, unless he is being groomed for the #2 running back position. Garrett generally likes a dedicated fullback, so it’s more likely they bring in a vet. or an UDFA.