Ex-Giant Steve Smith retires
File photo of Steve Smith. Credit: AP, 2009
Steve Smith, the Giants wide receiver who just two years ago seemed irreplaceable, retired on Wednesday from the Bucs, his third different team since leaving New York.
Smith signed with the Eagles just before the 2011 season, creating an uproar and a perceived vacuum on the Giants' roster. In a matter of a few weeks, though, Victor Cruz emerged and the loss of Smith was nearly forgotten.
Smith was a second-round pick by the Giants in 2007 and an important rookie for the team in its run to Super Bowl XLII. He caught a franchise-record 107 passes in 2009 and was reportedly offered a five-year, $35 million contract with $15 million guaranteed in 2010 which he turned down before injuring his knee late that season.
He never regained his form and had just 25 catches for 225 yards for the Eagles and Rams.
