NFL Trade Deadline: Jaguars send Anthony Smith to Green Bay Packers

Last night, the Jacksonville Jaguars shipped safety Anthony Smith to the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Jaguars will receive a conditional 7th round draft selection. The selection can grow, but at this time it's unknown just how high it can climb to.

Some fans have questioned the move, but I applaud it. I'll explain why.

Does everyone remember how the Jaguars acquired Anthony Smith?

In the 2009 season he was claimed off waivers on November 9th, after he was released by the St. Louis Rams. Prior to joining the Rams, he was released by the Green Bay Packers during cuts. The Packers had signed Anthony Smith in free agency after the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to tender Smith in restricted free agency.

Essentially, Gene Smith turned in a mid-season waiver claim from the scrap heap into a draft pick. No matter if the draft pick remains a 7th round pick or grows to something else, it's a very saavy move by Gene Smith.

Obviously, the Packers think letting Anthony Smith go was a big mistake. Current Jaguars safety Gerald Alexander confirmed that thought on his Twitter page last night, saying "They (Green Bay) told me specifically 'We shouldn't have let Smitty go' when I worked out there. They want him." The Packers were one of the teams Alexander worked out for while he was a free agent before being re-signed to the Jaguars.

I don't know why they'd ship Smith out, but according to Mark Long of the AP it's felt that Smith fell out of favor with the coaching staff.

Look for Gerald Alexander to remain the starter at free safety with Courtney Greene and converted corner Don Carey to rotate in and out at the other safety position. It's pretty clear no safety position is locked down, as it's been a revolving door all season long.

UPDATE:

Since I'm apparently untrustworthy and questions arose of whether it's a 7th or not, Mark Long of the AP reported last night it's a 7th rounder than can improve.

yep, 7th-rounder that could turn into better pick is a steal

and...

conditional means it could improve