Former Vikings Defensive Tackle Gets Tryout with the Lions

Josh Frey |

May 1, 2024

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits idle on the field before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have added 25 players to their roster over the past six days.

This was necessary after the team saw a number of names depart from the roster in free agency. However, one of those remaining free agents is former Vikings defensive tackle T.J. Smith, and he is set to try out for one of Minnesota’s division rivals: the Detroit Lions.

Former Vikings Defensive Tackle Gets Tryout in Detroit

Jun 7, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman T.J. Smith (50) performs a drill during mandatory mini camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the news on Wednesday, tweeting, “Free agent defensive tackle T.J. Smith will participate in Lions rookie minicamp as a tryout player next week, per source. Smith spent the last three seasons with Minnesota.”

Smith spent his collegiate career with the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2015-19, recording 75 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. He then went undrafted in 2020 and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.

Aug 24, 2020; Costa Mesa California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle TJ Smith (77) participates in blocking drill during training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

He spent the 2020 season on LA’s practice squad, but he didn’t get a chance to appear in any games. Prior to the start of the 2021 season, Smith was waived, and ever since then, he has been with the Vikings.

Throughout his three seasons with the Vikings, Smith appeared in four games and recorded 11 tackles as well as a tackle for loss. Similarly to his stint with the Chargers, Smith spent the majority of his tenure in Minnesota on the practice squad, but he was signed to the 53-man roster down the stretch of the 2023 season.

Vikings Defensive Tackle — Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle T.J. Smith (50) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) tackle Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

If Smith were to land a spot with the Lions, he would join a defensive tackle group that includes seven players:

D.J. Reader
Alim McNeil
Tyson Allualu
Levi Onwuzurike
Brodric Martin
Mekhi Wingo
Chris Smith

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference CFB.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.