Free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith has agreed to terms on an undisclosed contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. The soon-to-be 30-year-old last suited up briefly with the Raiders back in 2023, but was released after one appearance and found no new work in 2024. In an attempt to restart his career, Smith was held on a tryout basis during Las Vegas' minicamp over the weekend and made a good enough impression to get a shot at the team. The Notre Dame product was a productive player during his last full season (2020), racking up 154 tackles in 16 games, and more recently accruing 88 takedowns over 13 contests as a Giant in 2022. A veteran presence in the Raiders' linebacker room would be a welcome addition, but there's no telling what kind of condition he'll be in after nearly two years off. He likely operates in a depth role on defense, with the opportunity for more depending on his performance.
Former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith, who last played in the NFL in 2023, is taking part in the Las Vegas Raiders' minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith was a second-round selection (34th overall) in 2016 out of Notre Dame and had 100-plus total tackles in three of his first four NFL seasons with Dallas, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2019. He has bounced around the league and dealt with injuries since leaving the Cowboys, but he did have 88 total tackles (46 solo) and a sack in 13 games (11 starts) with the Giants in 2022. He only played in one game with Vegas in 2023 and was briefly on the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad last year, but he didn't see any action. The 29-year-old would give the Raiders some additional linebacker depth if he reunites with them.
Raiders Sign Jaylon Smith Off Saints Practice Squad
The Las Vegas Raiders signed linebacker Jaylon Smith off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad on Thursday. The Raiders added Smith to give them more depth at the linebacker position with Divine Deablo (ankle), Luke Masterson (concussion) and Robert Spillane (hand) all sitting out of practice on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Smith hadn't played in a game for the Saints this year and recorded 88 tackles (46 solo), one sack, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in 13 games (11 starts) in 2022 with the New York Giants. The former second-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 out of Notre Dame has seen action with three different teams in his six NFL seasons and has 624 tackles (376 solo), 11 sacks and two interceptions over that span.
The New York Giants officially signed veteran free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith to their practice squad on Tuesday. Smith will return to the Giants after playing in four games (two starts) for them last season. He also saw time with the Dallas Cowboys (four games) and Green Bay Packers (two games) in 2021. The 27-year-old former second-rounder was a Pro Bowler in 2019 with the Cowboys and has recorded 100-plus tackles in three of his five NFL seasons, but for now he'll operate as linebacker depth in the Big Apple.
Linebacker Jaylon Smith has been elevated to the Giants' active roster ahead of their Week 16 matchup against Philadelphia. Smith began the season with the Cowboys, where he played four games, before a two-game stint with the Packers; he faced the Eagles in Week 3 and compiled four tackles. A Pro Bowl linebacker during his tenure with Dallas in 2019, Smith made his New York debut Sunday and was able to make four tackles on just 17 defensive snaps. While the Giants defense is a tricky unit to trust in season-long semifinals and finals matchup, their three-game stretch against Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington to close the year is among the league's most advantageous. Smith is unlikely to persuade managers to make drastic changes, but the team looks to be hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with the 26-year-old.
The Green Bay Packers are releasing linebacker Jaylon Smith on Tuesday, according to a source. Smith was signed by Green Bay in early October and was a healthy scratch in last Thursday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. In just two games with Green Bay, he recorded one solo tackle while playing only 27 total defensive snaps. The 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 was cut by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season because they weren't entirely comfortable with such a large injury guarantee for 2022 on Smith's contract. He'll now be looking for his third team in 2021. In four games with Dallas before he was cut, Smith had 18 tackles (13 solo).
Green Bay Packers linebacker Jaylon Smith and cornerback Kevin King (shoulder) are among the team's inactives on Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. King will be missing his third straight game, and the team will also be without top cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder), so Arizona's passing attack could have a nice game as they look to stay unbeaten. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard are also on the COVID-19 list and will not play on Thursday night. The Packers defense should be avoided this week against this strong Cardinals offense.
The Green Bay Packers officially signed former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith to a contract on Thursday. As expected, the Packers were the favorite to land Smith, and both sides agreed to terms on a deal. Smith was surprisingly released by Dallas on Tuesday but found a new home with Green Bay. The Pro Bowl linebacker has racked up 100-plus tackles in three straight seasons. He's totaled 18 tackles (13 solos) in the first four weeks of the season. Smith improves the Packers' defense and will continue to stand out at LB in IDP leagues in 2021.
The Green Bay Packers are working to finalize a deal with former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith on Wednesday, according to a source. The Cowboys surprisingly released Smith on Tuesday, and he unsurprisingly won't stay a free agent for long. The 26-year-old has 100-plus tackles in three of his four NFL seasons and was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019 when he had 142 tackles (83 solo) and an interception. Smith also has nine career sacks in 68 games (56 starts). Smith saw his playing time dip in Week 4 with the Cowboys before he was cut, and he totaled 18 tackles (13 solo) in the first four weeks of the season. He could once again become a factor in IDP leagues if he enters an every down role with his new team.
In a surprise move, the Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Jaylon Smith on Tuesday, according to a source. Smith was a second-round selection out of Notre Dame in 2016 and led Dallas' defense with 154 tackles (89 solo) in 16 starts last season. The 26-year-old saw his defensive snap percentage drop to 40 percent in the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers after starting in Weeks 2 and 3. In the last two seasons combined, Smith has racked up 296 tackles, so he could remain relevant in IDP leagues if he signs with another team quickly. The move comes with Keanu Neal expected back from the COVID-19 list in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Even with Smith now out of the picture, Dallas' defense/special teams will be a strong starting option this Sunday.
Jaylon Smith
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Raiders
