HOUSTON – The Texans announced today that they signed DT Robaire Smith, T Todd Wade and G Todd Washington. After signing DT Gary Walker yesterday, the Texans have used their first four free agents signings on offensive and defensive linemen.
Smith (6-4, 310) was originally selected by Tennessee in the sixth round (197 th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Michigan State. After struggling with injuries during his first two seasons, he became a fixture on the Titans' defensive line over the last two seasons by leading all defensive linemen in tackles. He registered 73 tackles (36 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, ten quarterback pressures and 4.5 sacks last season and was a key component to Tennessee's top-ranked rushing defense. In 2002, he posted 73 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 quarterback pressures, four tackles for losses and two passes defensed.
Wade (6-8, 325) has missed just one game in four seasons since being drafted in the second-round (53rd overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. As a rookie, Wade was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for October. In four games during the month, he helped lead an offense averaging 321.3 yards per contest, including 154.3 on the ground as the Dolphins posted a record of 3-1 during the month. During his four-year career, Wade has helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in three out of his four NFL seasons, falling 32 yards short in 2001. His teams have only allowed an average of 28 sacks per season, finishing in the top five in the AFC for three seasons.
Washington (6-3, 310) became a fixture on the Texans offensive line in 2003 by starting the final 14 games of the season. The Texans originally signed Washington last offseason after a five-year career in Tampa Bay that concluded with a Super Bowl victory. After earning a degree in physical education from Virginia Tech, Washington was drafted by Tampa Bay in the fourth round (104 th overall) of the 1998 draft.
