EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (July 25, 2006) -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a contract with defensive back Dwight Smith, a sixth-year veteran of the NFL who was released by the New Orleans Saints.
Before joining the Saints, Smith played for Tampa Bay from 2001 through 2004. In the 2003 Super Bowl, Smith returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 48-21 victory over Oakland to set a Super Bowl record.
Tampa Bay picked Smith in the third round of the 2001 draft, 82nd overall, out of Toledo.
Smith, 27, will be reunited with former Tampa Bay coaches Mike Tomlin, a linebackers coach with Minnesota, and Joe Woods, who coaches the secondary for the Vikings.
"This is a great opportunity for a fresh start," Smith said. "I get to play with my old coach again. There are a bunch of great veterans already in the room. Hopefully I can be an addition that can help somewhere and I'm going to fit where needed."
Smith is expected to compete with free-agent signee Tank Williams for a starting safety spot next to Darren Sharper.
