Saints Sign Veteran TE Alex Smith

Ten year NFL veteran tight end Alex Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints today, after going through a tryout. New Orleans also worked out tight end Jean Sifrin out of UMass as well, but ultimately chose Smith.

The Saints were looking to add a tight end to the training camp roster after undrafted rookie TE Jack Tabb suffered a serious injury yesterday and was carted off the practice field.

Smith has spent time on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who drafted him in 2005 out of Stanford in the 3rd round), Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

For his career, the 33 year old has 163 receptions, 1,473 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Veteran tight end Ben Watson is a lock to make the 53 man roster, as is third year pro Josh Hill.

Under head coach Sean Payton, the Saints have traditionally carried three tight ends on the roster, and occasionally four, meaning Smith has a decent chance to make the 53 man roster if he's in relative shape, as he has a history of playing special teams too. He'll likely battle Orson Charles and Kevin Brock for the third TE spot.special teams,