Former UNC football linebacker Andre Smith released by Denver Broncos

Former UNC football standout Andre Smith was released by the Denver Broncos before the deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players.

The veteran linebacker, who began his NFL career in Charlotte with the Carolina Panthers before moving to Buffalo, Tennessee and Atlanta, signed with Denver in June 2024 but did not make the 53-man roster. Andre Smith most likely should have been a special teams ace, but the Broncos will use that roster spot for a younger talent.

Last season, Smith played for the Atlanta Falcons, making 11 appearances and totaling 19 tackles. Let's hope the former Tar Heel finds a spot on another team's practice squad and can work his way up to the main roster as the season progresses.

Teams across the NFL had to make some tough decisions this week as they drafted their initial 53-man rosters. Some former Tar Heels (like Smith) were affected by the roster shortfalls, but there is hope he can quickly find another spot to continue his NFL career.