DALLAS – Former Eastern Kentucky University All-American defensive back Mike Smith Jr. has signed a three-year, $2,980,00 contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
 
The Colonel standout's deal is reported to include a $15,000 signing bonus, $175,000 guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $993,333.
 
Smith joined the Cowboys on April 26 as an undrafted free agent and is currently participating in the team's Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
 
He joins fellow former Colonels in TK McLendon, Josiah Ezirim, Tim Boyle, and Matt Jackson as signed players currently in the NFL.
 
The Jacksonville, Florida native played three seasons in Richmond (2022-2024), amassing a long list of accolades last season, earning All-American honors from the AFCA, Phil Steele, and Walter Camp while being a unanimous All-UAC selection, and East-West Shrine Bowl participant.
 
A captain in 2024, Smith led the Colonel defense in allowing only 23.7 points per game en route to the FCS Playoffs with an 8-4 regular season record.
 
Despite being schemed around and avoided by every offense he faced, Smith still posted impressive numbers with four interceptions (tied for the most in the UAC), 63 total tackles, and six pass breakups as a safety.
 
Smith's interceptions were also timely, with his ones against Tarleton State and North Alabama coming in the final seconds of regulation to seal wins for the Colonels.
 
For his career in Richmond, Smith tallied 150 tackles, seven interceptions, 25 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
 
At the end of the 2024 season, Smith was the 10th highest graded safety in Division I football (FBS/FCS) by Pro Football Focus with a grade of 89.9.