The Columbus Aviators have brought back defensive back Smoke Monday by signing him as a free agent. Monday was spent with the Aviators in training camp until he was one of the 13 players released in final cuts.
DB Smoke Monday - Auburn (6’2, 285 lbs)
Smoke Monday played in 50 games for Auburn with 24 starts from 2018 to 2021. He recorded 105 solo tackles, 66 assisted tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 13 passes defended, 6 sacks, 5 interceptions, 3 touchdowns, and a forced fumble with Auburn.
He was named All-SEC Second Team by the Associated Press in 2020. He was named Second Team All-SEC in 2021 by SEC Coaches, Athlon, Phil Steele, and SEC Media.
Monday signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2022. His rookie campaign was derailed by a torn ACL in early August, leading to him missing the entire season. He was released by the Saints amid the final roster cuts in 2023.
He suffered a torn ACL in early August in preparation for the season, which led to him missing the season. He was released by the Saints in 2023 during final roster cuts. Monday is a hard-hitting defensive back possessing a lot of speed. He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash on his pro day. He also has good hands. After an interception, he has shown good vision as a ball carrier.
Monday spent the 2024 CFL preseason with the Montreal Alouettes but was again one of the players released in final roster cuts after making 3 tackles in the first preseason game.
S Smoke Monday is another player who briefly spent time in the CFL when he was with the Montreal Alouettes through training camp and preseason until final cuts in 2024. He had 20 tackles and an interception over 5 games in the IFL in 2025.
Monday played in the IFL in 2025, where he made 20 tackles and an interception over 5 games.
Monday has had a frequent run-in of being a casualty in final cuts incluing most recently with Columbus. He is due for an opportunity for him to get some regular-season playing time.