Terrelle Smith released

FB Terrelle Smith has had his contract terminated by the Browns. Smith was due a roster bonus of an undisclosed sum this week and, with the emergence of 6th round draft pick Lawrence Vickers, was seen as expendable. Last year the Browns indicated that they wanted their fullback to be more versatile, that is, capable of running and catching the ball out of the backfield. Vickers fits that bill more so than Smith, plus he's less of a cap hit.

Smith was signed away from the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 2004. A bruising blocker, in his 3 seasons with the Browns he had only 18 carries for 32 yards rushing and zero TDs. He caught 27 passes for 118 yards and 1 TD. My favorite Terrelle Smith moment is from his first regular season game as a Browns. The Browns were playing the Ravens, and on their first play from scrimmage handed off to William Green. Smith went through the hole, found Ray Lewis, and drove him to the ground. That play set the tone for the game and the Browns won 20-3.

I think this was a mistake. While having a FB who can run and catch the ball might give an offense more options, the first job of a fullback is to block, and Terrelle Smith was good at it. I didn't see anything from Lawrence Vickers this past season to make me think that he can replace Smith's blocking. The sight of Terrelle Smith and Jamal Lewis running at you would have struck fear into any defense, but I guess now we can only imagine what might have been.