Veteran linebacker trying to make Raiders’ 53-man roster
The Las Vegas Raiders signed linebacker Jaylon Smith as a free agent recently.
Let’s take a closer look at Smith:
Size:
6-2, 240 pounds.
NFL experience:
Smith, a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, played in the NFL from 2017-23. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019. The Cowboys cut him during the 2021 season and he played for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants in that season. He played for the Giants in 2022. He was on the Saints’ practice squad in 2023 and then signed with the Raiders’ practice squad later that season. He was promoted to the 53-man roster and played in one game for Las Vegas (it just happened to be Antonio Pierce’s first game as the interim head coach). Smith was released a few weeks later and then signed with the Steelers’ practice squad. He did not play last season.
College:
He went to Notre Dame where he was a star. He won the 2015 Dick Butkus Award. He suffered a major knee injury in his final college game which affected his draft status and caused him to miss his rookie season.
Raiders ties:
In addition to his tenure in 2023 in Las Vegas, Smith was with Raiders’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with the Giants in 2021.
How he will fit in with Raiders:
The Raiders have a wide-open linebackers room and there is room for a veteran like Smith, who turns 30 next month. But the reality is he is about five years removed from being a consistent contributor. So, he may have an uphill battle to make the team and be a contributor.