Raiders Sign Former Cowboys and Giants LB Jaylon Smith After Weekend Tryout
In a bold move that is sure to make waves in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have reached an agreement with former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith. The signing follows a successful weekend tryout, which reportedly impressed Raiders’ officials and coaching staff. According to sources familiar with the situation, Smith has agreed to terms and will join the Raiders’ defensive unit as they continue to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The move comes at an interesting time in Smith’s career. A former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jaylon Smith’s journey has been one of ups and downs, from his explosive rise as a promising young talent to dealing with serious setbacks in the form of injuries. However, with his skill set still highly regarded and his determination clear, Smith’s signing by the Raiders represents a fresh start and an opportunity to show that he can return to his peak form.
A Storied Career Comes Full Circle
Jaylon Smith’s NFL journey began in 2016 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 34th overall pick. Coming out of Notre Dame, Smith was considered one of the most talented linebackers in his class. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury suffered in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, where he was playing for Notre Dame, threatened to derail his promising career before it even began. Smith tore both his ACL and LCL, and doctors initially suggested that he might never play football again.
Despite the grim prognosis, Smith made a miraculous recovery. With a relentless work ethic and a commitment to his rehabilitation, he was able to return to the field in 2017, although he wasn’t quite the same player he was before the injury. Still, Smith showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Cowboys, emerging as one of their key defensive players. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ made him an integral part of their defense, and he quickly became one of the more recognizable linebackers in the league.
Over the next few seasons, Smith’s production remained steady. He earned a reputation as a versatile linebacker capable of covering a lot of ground and making plays in both the run game and pass coverage. He recorded 100 or more tackles in three consecutive seasons with the Cowboys, and he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 after a stellar year.
However, despite his success on the field, the Cowboys’ coaching staff and front office were never fully sold on Smith as their long-term linebacker of the future. His play was at times inconsistent, and questions lingered about whether he could ever regain his pre-injury form.
A Shift to the Giants
In 2021, after a few years of steady play, Smith’s tenure with the Cowboys came to an end. He was waived by Dallas and quickly picked up by the New York Giants. His time with the Giants, however, was short-lived. Although he was brought in to provide leadership and depth to the Giants’ linebacker corps, Smith struggled to make a lasting impact. His role was primarily limited to special teams and occasional rotational snaps on defense.
Despite his limited role in New York, Smith remained a respected figure in the locker room. His leadership qualities, work ethic, and veteran experience were valued by the Giants, but they ultimately decided to move on from him in 2022. The decision left Smith searching for a new home as he looked to continue his NFL career.
A New Beginning in Las Vegas
Now, after a weekend tryout with the Raiders, Smith is getting a second chance to prove that he can still be an impactful player in the NFL. The Raiders, who have had their own struggles on defense in recent years, were looking to add depth to their linebacker position, and Smith fits the bill.
Jaylon Smith’s signing with the Raiders could provide a major boost to their linebacker corps. While he might not be the same explosive athlete he was before his injury, Smith is still a capable player who can provide leadership, experience, and a solid presence on the field. The Raiders have struggled in the linebacker department in recent seasons, and Smith’s addition could go a long way toward solidifying the middle of their defense.
In terms of style, Smith is known for his speed and coverage ability, which makes him a good fit for the Raiders’ defense. Under the leadership of head coach Josh McDaniels, the Raiders have been looking to increase the speed and athleticism of their defense, and Smith certainly fits the mold of the kind of player they want in their defensive system.
Raiders’ Offseason Focus on Improving Defense
The Raiders’ decision to sign Smith also speaks to their broader strategy this offseason: bolstering the defense. While the Raiders’ offense has often been their strong suit in recent years, their defense has been inconsistent and underperforming, especially in critical moments. The signing of Smith is just one of several moves the team has made to improve their defensive unit.
In addition to bringing in Smith, the Raiders have made several key additions to their defense during the offseason, including bolstering their pass rush and secondary. With the NFL becoming increasingly focused on high-powered offenses, the importance of a strong and versatile defense cannot be overstated, and the Raiders appear to be doing everything they can to ensure that they’re competitive on that side of the ball.
By signing Smith, the Raiders are betting that his experience and leadership will provide them with the stability they need in the middle of their defense. While Smith may not have the same star power that he once did, his track record of being a consistent tackler and his ability to make plays in coverage could be just what the Raiders need to take the next step toward becoming a more balanced team.
Smith’s Return to Form: What’s Next for the Linebacker?
For Jaylon Smith, the opportunity to sign with the Raiders represents more than just a chance to continue his NFL career—it’s a chance to prove to the world that he still has plenty to offer. After several years of bouncing between teams and dealing with the physical limitations that came with his knee injury, Smith will have the opportunity to play a prominent role for a team that is in need of defensive reinforcements.
If Smith can stay healthy and return to a level of play that closely mirrors his Pro Bowl years in Dallas, he could not only contribute to the Raiders’ success but also extend his NFL career for several more seasons. Many have written Smith off, given his injury history and the time he has spent in less prominent roles on his previous teams. But if the weekend tryout is any indication, the Raiders believe that there is still something left in the tank for the former Notre Dame standout.
Moreover, with the Raiders’ defensive unit continuing to evolve under new leadership, Smith’s veteran presence could play a key role in the development of younger players on the roster. His experience in the league and his familiarity with high-pressure situations could make him an invaluable resource for a defense that is looking to make significant strides.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to sign Jaylon Smith after a successful weekend tryout is an intriguing move that could pay off in a big way. While Smith’s journey in the NFL has been filled with adversity, his talent and determination remain undeniable. As he joins the Raiders, Smith will have the opportunity to prove that he can still be an impactful player and help strengthen a defense that has been in need of leadership and stability.
For the Raiders, this signing could represent the start of a new chapter for their defense, one where veteran leadership and a renewed focus on speed and athleticism could make all the difference. For Smith, it’s another shot at redemption and a chance to prove that he still belongs at the highest level of professional football.
As the Raiders head into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on their revamped defensive unit, and Jaylon Smith’s performance will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow. Can he return to his former Pro Bowl form, or will the challenges of his injury-riddled past continue to hold him back? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that Jaylon Smith’s journey in the NFL is far from over.
