TEXANS SIGN DEFENSIVE END ANTONIO SMITH

Feb 28, 2009, Houston - The Houston Texans have signed free agent Defensive End Antonio Smith who appeared in each regular season game that started three of four playoff games for the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals last season.

The Texans who announced the deal Saturday, needed someone to start opposite 2006 top overall pick Mario Williams after releasing Anthony Weaver earlier this week. Weaver had one sack in his 3 years in Houston of which the Texans need a pass-rush threat at the second end position.

The 6'4- 285 pounds, Smith had 41 tackles and 31/2 sacks this season, 125 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks for 5 years.