G Wade Smith Visiting Texans [Signed by Texans!]

[WMH]

From PFT - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...gn-wade-smith/

Texans sign Wade Smith
Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2010 6:40 PM ET
Just when it appeared that the big money in free agency had dried up, the Houston Texans have coughed up an eight-figure contract to a veteran guard/center from the Chiefs.

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com and John McClain of the Houston Chronicle report that the Texans have signed Wade Smith.

Per Marvez, it's a four-year, $12 million contract, with $6.25 million in guaranteed money.

"Wade really enjoyed his other visits to Arizona and Buffalo, but Houston was the first team we heard from after midnight Friday," Parker told Marvez. "He felt it was the right fit for him."

Smith played tackle, guard, and center in 2009 for the Chiefs, starting once at left tackle and nine times and right guard.

[kRocket]

I don't see this as much of an impact signing as a "Due Diligence"signing. Wade Smith will be able to cover any trouble spots in offensive line and may start in one of the guard spots. I just see him as a versatile backup for the OL more than an impact starter. Good signing that gives us some options we didn't have before. I still look for Pitts to come back also.

[Roy P]

I'm pretty happy with the signing. It improves the roster and helps the team focus on BPA during the draft instead of "Needs" - so that's cool.

[HPF Bob]

After past experience, I have an aversion to anyone named Wade on the Texans o-line. It's like drafting another QB named Carr, even if the first name isn't David.

Actually, "Wade Smith" sounds like a love child from the Astros front office.

[Keith]

NFLPA reports the base salaries for Wade Smith as follows:

2010 1,000,000
2011 1,750,000
2012 2,000,000
2013 3,000,000