The more Joe looks at this signing yesterday, the more Joe thinks the acquisition of linebacker Daryl Smith may be the sleeper of the free agent season.

Per the Bucs, since Smith arrived in Baltimore in 2013, he ranks fifth in the NFL in total tackles at 371. In that same span, he has the second-most passes defended. Only one other linebacker has more. His name? Lavonte David.

The Bucs multimedia maven Scott Smith put out an interesting factoid last night on Twitter that speaks of Smith’s abilities. He is one of two linebackers since 2004 to have over 1,000 tackles and 30 sacks. The other is Karlos Dansby.

Is Smith a spring chicken? No. But until the Bucs draft and develop a stongside linebacker, he’ll do.