What to Know About EJ Smith and the NFL
EJ Smith is a running back who has been part of multiple NFL rosters in the mid 2020s, including the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent, he has spent time on practice squads and active rosters, handling short yardage and goal line roles. This profile provides a factual overview of his draft status, team history, position responsibilities, and career trajectory to date, focusing on verifiable details rather than speculation.
EJ Smith Early Background and College
College Stats and Development
EJ Smith played college football at Stanford University, where he developed as a versatile back capable of carrying the ball in inside zones and catching from the backfield. His collegiate production included a mix of rushing and receiving yards across multiple seasons, preparing him for professional scouting. He completed his college eligibility without forgoing additional draft eligibility, which factored into his undrafted free agent path into the NFL.
2023 NFL Draft Position and Scouting Notes
Entering the 2023 NFL Draft, EJ Smith was classified as an undrafted free agent. Scouts highlighted his physical tools, burst, and willingness to run between the tackles, while noting concerns about his size against top NFL linebackers and his consistency in pass protection. Because he went undrafted, he became eligible to sign with any team immediately after the draft, a path he chose to pursue a professional opportunity.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2023 | NFL Draft records |
| Draft Status | Undrafted Free Agent | Team announcements, league records |
| College | Stanford University | NCAA profiles |
| Primary Position | Running Back | Team depth charts |
| Height and Weight | 5 ft 10 in, 220 lb | NFL Combine / Pro Day |
NFL Roster Timeline and Teams
After going undrafted in 2023, EJ Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He appeared on the active roster at times and was also assigned to the practice squad during his initial season. Later in 2024, he spent time with the Carolina Panthers, adding depth to the running back room. Each stop contributed to his professional experience, including preseason, regular season, and practice squad exposure.
Team History Snapshot
- 2023: Seattle Seahawks — Undrafted free agent; active and practice squad time
- 2024: Carolina Panthers — Practice squad and short active roster stints
Role and Playing Style in the NFL
On the field, EJ Smith functions primarily as a goal line and short yardage back. His low center of gravity and balance allow him to effectively drive forward in tight formations, while his receiving ability adds flexibility to the offense. Defensively, he is occasionally used in scout team packages to mirror opposing backs, leveraging his familiarity with NFL looks and tempos.
Injury History and Durability
To date, there have been no major injuries reported that significantly altered his career timeline. He has maintained a durable profile across training camp, preseason, and regular season participation. Continued attention to workload management and depth chart positioning will influence his availability in future seasons.
Contract Status and Earnings
EJ Smith has historically earned league minimum deals and practice squad rates during his time in the NFL. As an undrafted free agent and subsequent practice squad member, he has not yet secured a long term guaranteed contract. Future earnings will depend on roster performance, negotiation leverage, and the market value of running backs with comparable experience.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Contract Type | Undrafted free agent / Practice squad | Standard for similar trajectories |
| Estimated Annual Range | League minimum to mid tier practice squad | Varies by roster bonuses and incentives |
| Years in League | 2023 — present (active and practice) | Continuous professional involvement |
Public Profile and Lifestyle
EJ Smith maintains a relatively private public profile, with limited social media presence and minimal media engagement outside of team related announcements. He focuses on preparation, film study, and in game execution. Off the field, he participates in community outreach when programed by his teams, aligning with standard NFL player engagement expectations.
Myths and Common Misconceptions
Some narratives suggest EJ Smith has held a more prominent role or secured long term deals earlier in his career; this does not align with roster reports and contract disclosures. Another misconception involves his positional usage, with assumptions of a wide receiver role, whereas he is consistently identified and deployed as a running back. Clarifying these points helps maintain an accurate understanding of his current standing.
Comparisons to Similar NFL Running Backs
Compared to other undrafted running backs of his era, EJ Smith’s path reflects common patterns of practice squad movement and brief active roster exposure. Players with similar profiles often experience fluctuating opportunities based on injuries, scheme changes, and performance in preseason and training camp. His career thus far aligns with typical trajectories for backs entering the league without a draft selection.
What to Watch Going Forward
Moving forward, attention on EJ Smith should center on depth chart movements, preseason performance, and opportunities during injury situations. Teams value versatile backs who can contribute in multiple packages, and consistent execution could lead to expanded roles. Staying updated via official team announcements and verified league reporting will provide the most reliable picture of his evolving career.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is EJ Smith still in the NFL as of 2025? He remains a free agent with recent activity tied to practice squads and preseason tryouts, though an active 53 roster spot has not been confirmed this season.
- Which teams has he played for? Documented stints include the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.
- What position does he play? He is listed as a running back, specializing in goal line and short yardage situations.
- Has he ever started a regular season game? No, he has not recorded a regular season start to date.
- Where did he play college football? He played at Stanford University.
Bottom Line
EJ Smith represents a familiar archetype of the undrafted running back working to secure meaningful snaps in the modern NFL. His career so far includes team contributions at the practice squad and active roster level, with a playing style that fits specific situational needs. Staying informed through official team releases and verified league reporting will yield the most accurate view of his status and future opportunities.