Kaden Smith

Kaden Nelson Smith (born April 24, 1997) is an American football tight end for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Stanford. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has also been a member of the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

Early years
Smith attended Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. During his career he had 144 career receptions for 2,260 yards. He committed to Stanford University to play college football.

College career
After redshirting his first year at Stanford in 2016, Smith played had 23 receptions for 414 yards and five touchdowns in 2017. In 2018, he was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. On January 1, 2019, Smith announced that he would forgo his senior season and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers
Smith was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round, 176th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was waived on September 14, 2019.

New York Giants
On September 16, 2019, Smith was claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants. During the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Smith made his first-career start in his fourth game and recorded his first touchdown in the NFL in the 19–14 loss. In week 16 against the Washington Redskins, Smith caught 6 passes for 35 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime, during the 41–35 win.

Smith was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 20, 2020, and activated on December 1.

On December 3, 2021, Smith was placed on injured reserve.

On March 11, 2022, Smith was waived after failing a physical.

Indianapolis Colts
On May 24, 2023, Smith signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He was waived on August 1, 2023.

Washington Commanders
On August 13, 2023, Smith signed with the Washington Commanders. On August 29, he was placed on injured reserve. He was released on October 16.

DC Defenders
On March 1, 2024, Smith signed with the he DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL).