Report: Ex-Texans GM Rick Smith drawing interest from Lions, Falcons

The Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons appear to be interested in former Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith.

The Lions are set to interview Smith for the general manager vacancy, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. The Falcons are also interested and have touched base with Smith, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Smith served as the general manager of the Texans from 2006-17, stepping away after the 2017 season due to health concerns surrounding his wife. The former executive was the youngest general manager in the NFL at the time of his initial hiring. He was just 36 years old when he was appointed to the position in 2006.

The Texans drafted numerous franchise players during Smith's tenure, selecting J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and Deshaun Watson. Houston reached the postseason on four occasions with Smith at the helm.

The Falcons and Lions both fired their coaches and general managers earlier this season. Sideline boss Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were terminated by the Falcons after a 0-5 start while the Lions cut ties with Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn after Thanksgiving.

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