The New Orleans Saints released offensive tackle Jason Smith on Wednesday, just four months after signing him as a free agent, in hopes of fulfilling his once enormous potential.

The 27-year old Smith was the second-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, out of Baylor, behind top pick Matthew Stafford, and much was expected from him.

The potential that many believed Smith had never really materialized though.

After spending three seasons with the Rams, starting 26 games, Smith spent the 2012  season with the New York Jets, where he was a back-up.

Smith began his college career as a tight end at Baylor, before moving to offensive tackle, where he eventually garnered first-team all Big XII, and third-team All-American honors.

At the 2009 NFL Combine, Smith solidified his high stock when he ran a 5.09 40-yard dash, the 11th-fastest among offensive lineman, tied for the fourth-most repetitions in the bench press, at 33 , and was sixth in the three-cone drill, at 7.53 seconds.

After signing a six-year, $33 million deal with the Rams, Smith became a major disappointment, seldom playing at left tackle, the position at which he was drafted to play.

After three seasons with the Rams, Smith was traded to the Jets for offensive tackle Wayne Hunter.

 

More From 103.3 The GOAT