Linebacker Jaylon Smith is officially back in the NFL, again. The Las Vegas Raiders have signed the 29-year-old veteran following a weekend tryout, marking yet another chapter in what’s been a winding, up-and-down career. Smith, a former Pro Bowler and second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, hasn’t played a meaningful snap since November 2023, when he suited up for the Raiders in a 30-6 win over the Giants.
That single game was also notable for being Antonio Pierce’s debut as interim head coach. Now, under the leadership of Pete Carroll, Smith hopes to prove he still belongs in the league and can carve out a role in a new-look Raiders defense.
A career of promise and setbacks
Smith’s football story is one of both elite talent and painful setbacks. Once projected as a top-five pick coming out of Notre Dame, his devastating knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl dropped him to the second round, where the Cowboys took a calculated gamble thanks to insider medical info from their team doctor.
That gamble paid off early. Smith became a reliable starter in Dallas, even earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019 and a hefty contract extension. But after a decline in performance and contract concerns, the Cowboys released him midway through his sixth season.
Since then, Smith has bounced between teams, with short stints in Green Bay and New York before briefly landing in Las Vegas last season. Despite only playing one game in 2023, he now has another shot at sticking with a team that may be willing to give veterans a second chance under new leadership.
A crowded path back to relevance
Smith isn’t guaranteed anything in Las Vegas. He’ll be competing against a wave of undrafted free agents and fellow veterans all trying to earn a spot. But with his experience, football IQ, and leadership potential, he could emerge as a valuable depth piece, if he stays healthy and sharp.
For a player whose injuries helped change how college stars approach bowl games, Smith’s return is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. He may not be the star he once was, but his story isn’t over yet.
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