The Eagles signed tight end Alex Smith on Tuesday. In a surprising move, the Eagles cut current backup tight end Tony Curtis, who played well last Thursday in the final preseason game against the New York Jets.

Smith spent his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was cut by the New England Patriots over the weekend.

“It just felt to me that the Eagles would be the best fit for me – just finding a team that I felt like I could come in right away and help,” Smith said. “Coach [Andy] Reid said they love to use the two tight ends. He said it’s an offense I’ve run the last four years, so he doesn’t see any problems throwing me right in the mix and getting things done.”

Smith’s production has declined every year, starting with his rookie season in 2005 in which he had 41 receptions for 367 yards. That dropped to 35 in 2006, 32 in 2007, and 21 in 2008.

“By no means do I feel I’ve met my potential. I never like to make excuses for why that is,” Smith said. “Every year I try to get better. I feel like this is a real big year for me. I’ve been blessed to have this opportunity here, and I feel like I can take full advantage and really display what I can do.”
In 58 games, including 43 starts, the 6-foot-4, 258-pound Smith has recorded 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News speculated earlier today in his blog that maybe the Eagles could bring Curtis back eventually, after another roster move.

As it stands right now, Smith will backup starting tight end Brent Celek.