Cowboys sign cornerback Saivion Smith, former XFL player

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys signed cornerback Saivion Smith on Friday, adding the former XFL player about the same time the spring league announced it was suspending operations.

Smith played for Houston, which was the only undefeated team in the XFL when the league stopped playing last month after five games because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

The XFL told employees they were being laid off Friday. Players were already free to sign with NFL teams. Smith had eight tackles in Houston’s first two games but was inactive for the final three games.

Smith led Alabama with three interceptions in his only season in 2018. The Crimson Tide lost to Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game. He signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent last year but was waived before the season.