Posted on 06/14/2005 12:11:00 PM PDT by Asphalt
TAMPA, Fla. (June 13, 2005) -- Akili Smith was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the latest NFL team to part ways with the quarterback who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.
Smith was only with the Buccaneers after the team agreed to sign him so he could participate with an NFL Europe team, the Frankfurt Galaxy, this summer. The Galaxy's season ended June 4, and Smith returned to Tampa for a minicamp last week.
Taken by the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith was a member of the heralded 1999 quarterback draft class, which included Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown, all of whom were among the top 12 picks that season. Only McNabb and Culpepper, starring for Philadelphia and Minnesota, remain in the league.
Smith appeared in only 22 games, starting 17, in four disappointing seasons with the Bengals. He signed with Green Bay before the 2003 season, but was cut.
ping
"so he could participate with an NFL Europe team, the Frankfurt Galaxy, this summer. The Galaxy's season ended June 4"
Wow - that's one quick summer!
Signing with the Bengals at that time was like signing a contract to end your career. I always felt bad for the rookies who didn't have much choice. Fortunately it's different now with Lewis.
Isn't that also where fellow bust QB Ryan Leaf's career ended as well?
That Class of 1999 has not proven to be very good.
no idea. would be very fitting. Jon Gruden loves stocking up on QBs.
To say the least. Culpepper and McNabb aren't bad.
Wow this huge!!! This is devastating!! This breaking news!!! I cannot believe it!! Unreal!! I am shocked!! I am in a fog of total shock!!! What the hell is this doing in breaking news?? Is this now ESPNRepublic.com now??
"Culture/Society; News/Current Events"
Something wrong with that. I didn't do "Breaking News". If it's that unimportant, then why the heck did you click on the link to say that?
I thought it was San Diego....but I'm really out of touch with NFL these days.
Couch doesn't get mentioned enough as a bust.
They were the poor fools who drafted him #2 overall and gave him millions of dollars.
If you don't like the thread do what I do...DON'T CLICK ON IT!!
But not that good either. Both seem to choke a lot.
Ping
Don't forget Cade McNown!
I think it was Seattle
Compared to the other QB's in their draft class they look pretty darn good.
Smith's vacant stare and "command" of English should have been a clue.
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