In their latest effort to add a viable reserve tailback behind starter Ahman Green, the Green Bay Packers on Monday unrestricted signed free agent Lamar Smith, who spent the 2002 season with the Carolina Panthers.

The Packers have tried for two years to acquire a proven backup runner and Smith is the highest-profile candidate of the bunch. In 2002, rookie Tony Fisher finished the season as Green's primary backup, and he carried 70 times for 283 yards and two touchdowns.

	Smith

Smith, 32, will be joining his fifth team after stints in Seattle (1994-97), New Orleans (1998-99), Miami (2000-2001) and Carolina (2002). It is believed he signed a one-year contract with a base salary of $655,000, the minimum for a player of his tenure. He had visited with Packers coaches and team officials last week.

The former University of Houston star posted his only 1,000-yard season in 2000 with the Dolphins, but was on pace to surpass that benchmark again last year. But after he rushed for 737 yards in 11 games, Smith was charged with DUI and Carolina gave him a paid leave of absence for the final month of the campaign.

He was subsequently released by the Panthers in February and, despite a history of being a productive runner, did not generate much interest in free agency.

In 111 appearances, and 57 starts, Smith has carried 1,311 times for 4,792 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also has 158 receptions for 1,253 yards and seven scores. While he is not known for his speed, Smith is a tough runner between the tackles, a player who is capable of 20-25 carries per game.

Certainly the Carolina offense benefited from being able to use Smith as a workhorse in the early stages of the '02 season. He won't be called on to fill that role for the Packers, but should offer the team an experienced back who can spell Green for stretches and give the club a dependable No. 2 runner.

Green Bay coach Mike Sherman also announced the signing of Antonio Chatman, a versatile offensive performer from the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League. He amassed 3,678 all-purpose yards in 2003, playing as a wide receiver, a running back and a return specialist.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.