New Charger Smith got job he wanted

By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 26, 2008

When Mike Nolan delivered the news to Derek Smith last week that the San
Francisco 49ers were releasing him, the head coach asked Smith if there were
anything he could do for him.

"Yeah," Smith said. "You can call A.J. Smith and Norv Turner in San Diego,
because that's where I want to play."

Smith has had an offseason home in Olivenhain since 2004, and his son is in
kindergarten at a private school on the coast.

And like many veterans, after 11 years in the league and many millions
earned, Smith is interested in playing for a team with a real chance to win
a Super Bowl.

"It's too good to be true, if you ask me," the 34-year-old linebacker said
yesterday.

His agent spoke with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, but San
Diego was the leader all along. On Sunday, he agreed to terms on a two-year
deal.

"We've got a chance to go win a ring," said Smith, released in part because
of his high salary in San Francisco.

Smith will provide depth behind Stephen Cooper. After starters Cooper and
Matt Wilhelm, the Chargers were low on experience at inside linebacker.

"Whatever my role is I just want to provide a positive contribution," said
Smith, who started 14 games last season.

Smith was drafted in the third round in 1997 by the Washington Redskins, who
were coached by Norv Turner at the time. Smith played four years in
Washington before going to San Francisco, where he led the 49ers in tackles
his first five seasons there.

A mysterious eye injury caused him to play the entire 2006 season seeing
double. Surgery last February fixed the problem.

"Now we've got a veteran guy at that position and a guy who has had great
production," said Turner, who was with Smith again in 2006, when Turner was
the 49ers' offensive coordinator. "He's got a high motor and is very
intense."

Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com


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