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According to a report from Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports, the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in free agent running back and kick returner Michael Smith. Edholm also reports that Smith has shown mutual interest in joining the Eagles.
Former #Buccaneers RB-KR Michael Smith could visit #Eagles in the coming weeks. Both sides have interest. Smith healing from a foot injury.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) May 15, 2014
Smith, 25 years old, measures in at 5-9, 205. He was drafted out of Utah State in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. Smith missed the entirety of the 2013 season due to a foot injury (torn ligament). The Buccaneers released Smith earlier this week. Bucs Nation had this to say about Smith's release:
The loss of Michael Smith will be sad news for some people, most notably Smith himself. The diminutive speedster was drafted in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL draft and was tabbed to be a change-of-pace back and kick returner. All told, he touched the ball just three times in his two-year career, missing all of 2013 with injury. With Jeff Demps and Charles Sims in the fold, there wasn't much room for him on the roster.
The Eagles already have a number of running backs on their roster (LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Chris Polk, Matthew Tucker, Henry Josey, David Fluellen) but perhaps Smith is worth taking a chance on. At the least, his athleticism is intriguing. Check out that 4.33 speed (40 yard dash).