The Boiling Point: Kyle Adams and Keith Smith sign NFL Free Agent Deals.
Former Boilers, tight end Kyle Adams and wide receiver Keith Smith have signed free agent deals with the NFL. Adams signed with the Chicago Bears and Smith with the Detroit Lions. While Adams was most likely going to get a deal, it’s great news for Smith who tore his ACL at the beginning of last football season and was somewhat surprisingly denied a 6th year of eligibility by the NCAA.
Adams fits a need for the Bears. Greg Olsen is the clear starter at tight end there, but there is not a whole lot after that. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz doesn’t utilize his tight ends a ton outside of blocking. Adams versatility in being able to block in addition to his receiving skills utilized in the offense at Purdue will earn him playing time if he makes the team.
Smith will be joining an up and coming team in the Lions. He will be joining former Purdue player Cliff Avril. Surely will help him adjust to the rigors of the NFL, especially in a shortened off season. Smith should get the chance to prove that he belongs. Outside of Calvin Williams and Nate Burleson the Lions don’t have a ton there at wide receiver.
With all these undrafted free agents being signed almost right after the lockout, I’m sure there was no illegal contact made with them or their agents during the lockout. However, I have heard the NFL will kind of look the other way with this stuff right now since they want to get the season going.