 In the 1989 offseason, Smith turned down a $100,000 offer from the Miami Dolphins, failed a physical with the Phoenix Cardinals and eventually signed with San Diego Chargers for $250,000 on April 1.Smith suffered a severe left ankle sprain in training camp and was seen with a suspected drug dealer, leading to his release on September 5.In May 1990, he was signed after having a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys.