Broncos claim cornerback off waivers

The Broncos claimed cornerback C.J. Smith, 24, off waivers Friday, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. The Browns tried to trade Smith to Seattle for a seventh-round pick earlier this offseason, but he failed his physical and the deal was nullified. He was waived on Thursday.

Smith won five national championships at North Dakota State but wasn’t selected in the 2016 draft. He signed with the Eagles and spent the first month of his rookie season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster. Smith began this season back on the Eagles’ practice squad but was cut early in the year. The Browns quickly signed him to their practice squad and promoted him for the last three weeks of the season.

The Broncos are fairly deep at cornerback and Smith will have to fight to make the 53-man roster. As it stands now, Smith will likely have to battle Marcus Rios for the fifth cornerback spot. Smith will be eligible for the Broncos’ practice squad, as one of the team’s four except players.