Seattle Seahawks Smith was signed as an
undrafted free agent by the
Seattle Seahawks after the
2015 NFL draft on May 2. He was waived on September 5 and signed to the
practice squad the next day. On October 10, Smith was promoted to the active roster to provide depth while
running backs
Marshawn Lynch and
Fred Jackson recovered from injuries. He played in one game against the
Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for five yards on two carries. Smith was released on October 13.
Dallas Cowboys 2015 season On October 14, 2015, Smith was claimed off waivers by the
Dallas Cowboys. He became the third-string
running back after
Joseph Randle was released on November 3. Smith appeared in 10 games, playing mainly on
special teams and having one
kickoff return for 26 yards.
2016 season In 2016, Smith was moved to
fullback during OTAs, although he did not have the traditional size and body. He competed with converted
linebacker Keith Smith for the position and both made the team, although Rod was used only for
special teams purposes. On November 3, after injuries to
Morris Claiborne and
Barry Church, the Cowboys were forced to release him to make room for
cornerback Leon McFadden. Smith was re-signed to the practice squad two days later. At the time, he was tied for second on the team with four
special teams tackles.
2017 season Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 16, 2017. In 2017, he returned to
running back behind
Ezekiel Elliott,
Alfred Morris, and
Darren McFadden. During the preseason, he was moved up to third-string because of his improved play and production on
special teams. During Week 2 against the
Denver Broncos, Smith had his first two carries with the Cowboys, which went for eight yards in the 42–17 road loss. When Elliott was suspended for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Smith ended up earning more playing time behind
Alfred Morris. On Thanksgiving Day against the
Los Angeles Chargers, Smith scored his first professional touchdown on a two-yard rush. He finished the game with 41 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and seven receiving yards. During Week 13 against the
Washington Redskins, Smith ran for 27 yards and a touchdown as the Cowboys won by a score of 38–14. In the next game against the
New York Giants, Smith had 47 rushing yards and a touchdown along with 113 receiving yards, including an 81-yard touchdown reception, helping secure a 30–10 victory. The following week against the
Oakland Raiders, Smith rushed for 13 yards and a touchdown as the Cowboys narrowly won by a score of 20–17. When Elliott returned from his suspension in Week 16 against the
Seattle Seahawks, Smith's productivity dropped, only rushing for 10 yards in that game. He was declared inactive for the last game against the
Philadelphia Eagles, after battling an illness and a sore back. Smith finished the season with 55 carries for 232 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 19 receptions, 202 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and 5
special teams tackles (tied for fifth on the team).
2018 season Smith wasn't a factor on offense as the backup
running back, but maintained his role as a core
special teams player. His most action on offense came in the season finale against the
New York Giants, registering 12 carries for 35 yards and one touchdown, when starter
Ezekiel Elliott sat out to rest for the playoffs. His numbers decreased from the previous season to 44 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown. He was second on the team with 10
special teams tackles.
New York Giants (first stint) On May 8, 2019, Smith signed with the
New York Giants. He was placed on
injured reserve with an adductor injury on August 31. Smith was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement 10 days later.
Tennessee Titans On October 8, 2019, Smith signed with the
Tennessee Titans. He appeared in three games and was declared inactive in two contests, playing only on
special teams and had one tackle. Smith was released on November 12.
Oakland Raiders On December 10, 2019, Smith was signed by the
Oakland Raiders, reuniting with
special teams coordinator
Rich Bisaccia, who served in the same role with the Cowboys. Smith appeared in three games, playing on
special teams. He had three solo tackles. On March 25, 2020, Smith was re-signed to a one-year contract. He was placed on the reserve/
COVID-19 list by the team on August 6. Smith was activated from the list on August 18, but was released on September 1.
New York Giants (second stint) On September 8, 2020, Smith was signed to the
New York Giants practice squad, reuniting with
offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who was his head coach with the Cowboys. On September 29, Smith was released from the Giants practice squad, to make room for another former Cowboys running back (
Alfred Morris).
Carolina Panthers On August 5, 2021, Smith was signed by the
Carolina Panthers. He was released on August 17.
Vegas Vipers Smith was selected by the
Vegas Vipers in the 9th round of the Phase 6 of the
2023 XFL draft. He reunited with head coach
Rod Woodson, after Smith grew up attending Woodson's annual summer camps as a youth. He appeared in nine games, posting 70 carries for 274 yards (led the team) and two touchdowns to go along with 13 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. The Vipers folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the
United Football League (UFL). ==NFL career statistics==