The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed running back Chris Smith on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Chris Smith is five foot nine and weighs 194 pounds. The 24-year-old from Meridian, Mississippi, signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. The Seahawks released him on June 1, 2023. Next, Smith was drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas (XFL) in the 2023 Rookie Draft but did not play for them.
Then, Smith signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 4, 2024. He played two preseason games with six carries for 16 yards, three kick returns for 71 yards, and two punt returns for 113 yards. Smith was released by the Blue Bombers on June 2, 2024.
The Blue Bombers re-signed him on June 15, 2024. In 2024, Smith had 12 kick returns for 247 yards, and 13 punt returns for 141 yards in four games. He finished the season on the practice squad. The Blue Bombers released him on November 18, 2024.
Collegiately, Smith played five seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette (2018-22) with 373 carries for 2,167 yards, 16 touchdowns, completed one pass for 37 yards, one touchdown, made 52 catches for 410 yards, three touchdowns, 66 kick returns for 1,556 yards, two touchdowns, two punt returns for 11 yards, four tackles (2 solos, 2 assists), and one pass breakup in 53 games for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He was named FWAA Second Team All-American in 2020, and First Team All-Sun Belt in 2021.
