GREEN BAY, Wis., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The latest round of big-name NFL cuts began Tuesday with the Green Bay Packers dumping quarterback Akili Smith, the third overall pick in the 1999 draft.
Smith failed in his battle to be the backup to Brett Favre, beaten out by Doug Pederson and Craig Nall.
The Packers also cut veteran tight ends Tyrone Davis, who played for the Packers the last six years, and Luther Broughton in paring down their roster to the NFL-mandated limit of 65 before the Tuesday afternoon deadline.
Smith never lived up to his billing with Cincinnati Bengals and was released on June 2. He signed with the Packers on June 13, and was 15-of-29 for 136 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in the preseason.
Davis and Broughton became expendable with the recent signing of former All-Pro Wesley Walls.
Other cuts were punter Brooks Barnard (Chicago); wide receiver Kevin Lockett (Jacksonville); tight end Roland Williams (Oakland); tackle Tarlos Thomas (Houston), and running back Nick Maddox (San Diego).
