Tanzel Etric Smart Jr. (born November 6, 1994) is an American football defensive tackle for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tulane, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
College career
Smart attended and played college football for Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Professional career
Los Angeles Rams
Smart was drafted in the sixth round with the 189th overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2017 NFL Draft.
On May 15, 2020, Smart was released by the Rams.
Buffalo Bills
On August 16, 2020, Smart signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was waived on September 5, 2020.
Cleveland Browns
On September 11, 2020, Smart was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He was released by the Browns on September 22, 2020.
New York Jets
On October 14, 2020, Smart was signed to the New York Jets' practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on November 9 and December 19 for the team's weeks 9 and 15 games against the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. He was promoted to the active roster on January 2, 2021.
On August 31, 2021, Smart was waived by the Jets and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 10, 2022.
On August 30, 2022, Smart was waived by the Jets and signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023.
On August 29, 2023, Smart was released by the Jets and re-signed to the practice squad. On October 31, Smart was signed to the Jets' active roster.